Accelerating Diabetes Care in Africa: Unveiling the WHO Regional Framework for Implementing the Global Diabetes Compact​

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes, is rapidly increasing across the African continent. Diabetes has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many African countries, affecting millions of individuals and contributing to rising healthcare challenges. Despite the growing need, access to adequate care, treatment, and essential medicines like insulin remains limited in many regions, particularly in low-resource settings.

Recognising the urgency of this situation, the WHO Regional Committee for Africa has endorsed the Framework for the Implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in the African Region. This framework offers a strategic plan for Member States to enhance diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management, particularly at the primary health care (PHC) level. It promotes strengthening health systems, achieving universal health coverage (UHC), and encouraging a multi-sectoral approach. The framework emphasizes the integration of diabetes care into broader health services to avoid the fragmented, vertical approaches often seen in disease-specific interventions.

In 2024, the NCD Alliance will hold its Global Forum under the theme “Leadership on NCDs Towards 2025 & Beyond.” The Forum will bring together 650 delegates from around the world to strategize and collaborate ahead of the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs of 2025. It will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, a country recognised for its leadership in health and NCDs and its innovative Universal Health Coverage reforms.