The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that Africa’s death rates from COVID-19 infections are significantly higher in patients with diabetes.
According to DAILY POST, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a statement pointed out that the sharp surge in cases of diabetes in Africa is clashing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moeti stressed that an estimated 24 million people are living with diabetes in Africa and the continent is projected to experience the highest increase globally in the near future.
He further stated that fighting the diabetes epidemic in Africa is as important as the battle against COVID-19.
Dr Benido Impouma, Director, Communicable and Noncommunicable Cluster at WHO also said : “The COVID-19 pandemic will eventually subside, but Africa is projected in the coming years to experience the highest increase in diabetes globally. We must act now to prevent new cases, vaccinate people who have this condition, and equally importantly, identify and support the millions of Africans unaware they are suffering from this silent killer.
Health officials in Africa must take advantage of the growing availability of low-cost rapid diagnostic tests to routinely test patients in diabetes centres to ensure early detection and proper care.
Thus far, only 6.6% of the African population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with about 40% globally”.
Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to produce or process insulin. Insulin is an essential substance counteracting a dangerous rise in blood sugar.
The disease causes inflammation and poor blood circulation, both of which increase the risk of complications.
