A medical expert, Dr. Allan Pamba, has revealed that 86 percent of Africans—around 14.6 million people—die from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases before the age of 70.
These individuals predominantly come from low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Africa.
Dr. Pamba, the Executive Vice-President, Diagnostics, Africa at Roche Diagnostics, made this disclosure in a statement to commemorate November as World Diabetes Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of regular health screenings.
Highlighting the alarming statistics, Pamba stated that out of the 17 million people who die from NCDs globally before the age of 70, African nations are the hardest hit. He attributed this prevalence to factors such as rapid, unplanned urbanization and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles.
He urged individuals to prioritize their health through increased access to diagnostics and the integration of self-monitoring into routine care, enabling them to take control of their well-being and lead full, productive lives.
According to him, this approach aligns with the global targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for diabetes care by 2030, advocating for universal access to these life-saving resources.
Pamba noted that many African healthcare systems are grappling with significant challenges, with regular screenings remaining scarce, especially in rural areas.
He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which he described as one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges, reflecting the global rise in NCDs.
Pamba further explained that diabetes often manifests subtly, with symptoms appearing only in its later stages, which is a primary reason the condition frequently goes undetected. He disclosed that more than half (54 percent) of people living with diabetes in the African Region remain undiagnosed.
Regarding the complications of the disease, Pamba highlighted that uncontrolled blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can cause severe damage to various organs. Heart and blood vessel damage, for example, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by two to three times.
In the lower limbs, poor blood flow, slow healing, and nerve damage (neuropathy) can lead to diabetic foot ulcers, potentially resulting in amputation.
Pamba also pointed out that chronic damage to the retinal blood vessels, known as diabetic retinopathy, can impair vision and cause blindness. Additionally, diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure and can exacerbate outcomes in infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV.