Health professionals and advocates across Ghana are expressing growing concern about the rising number of diabetes cases nationwide, warning that the condition poses a significant public health risk if urgent preventive measures are not adopted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies diabetes as one of the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributing to high mortality rates across Africa.
According to Ghana’s 2023 National Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes, the disease is among the top ten global causes of death. In 2019 alone, diabetes-related complications accounted for an estimated 4.2 million deaths. The guidelines further indicate that diabetes prevalence across Africa is expected to rise by 143% between 2019 and 2045, increasing from 19 million to 47 million cases. Ghana’s national diabetes prevalence currently stands at 6.46%.
Even more concerning is that approximately 60% of adults aged 20–79 living with diabetes in Africa are undiagnosed—the highest proportion in any International Diabetes Federation (IDF) region.
Global data from the IDF shows that Type 2 diabetes continues to increase due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and high consumption of processed and sugary foods. As of 2024, an estimated 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, a number projected to reach 853 million by 2050.
As Ghana joins the global community to mark World Diabetes Day on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Splenda Ghana has partnered with health institutions to support awareness and prevention initiatives. The company donated products to the Eastern Regional Hospital and SDA Hospital in Koforidua and conducted an outreach programme at Kaneshie Market in Accra, where traders and shoppers received education on healthy living, early detection, and diabetes management.
Speaking to Citi News, Maabena Webb, an IDF advocate with the Blue Circle Voices Network and Managing Director of Splenda Ghana, described diabetes as a “silent killer” that often progresses without noticeable symptoms.
“One of the biggest dangers of diabetes is that it can go undetected for years,” she noted. “By the time symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss appear, significant organ damage may already have occurred.”
Mrs. Webb cautioned that poorly managed diabetes can result in severe complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, blindness, and limb amputations. She urged the public to prioritise regular health screenings and embrace healthier lifestyles.
“Healthy living begins with small, consistent choices,” she said. “A balanced diet, reduced calorie intake, regular physical activity, adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential steps. Regular check-ups and monitoring blood sugar levels can help detect early signs and reduce risk.”
She emphasised that World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder of the need for community-wide efforts to prevent the disease.
“Let’s use this day to promote awareness and support one another in making positive lifestyle choices for a diabetes-free future,” she added.
Baffuor Ohene-Kena, Head of Administration and Human Resources at Splenda Ghana, also encouraged Ghanaians to take advantage of ongoing campaigns to monitor their health and seek professional advice when needed.
“Your health is your wealth. Making the right lifestyle choices today can prevent serious complications tomorrow,” he stressed.
Through its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, Splenda Ghana has supported several health facilities in promoting diabetes awareness. Beneficiaries include St. Joseph’s Hospital in Koforidua, Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong, the Community Hospital in Kukurantumi, and facilities in Accra such as Mamprobi Hospital, Lapaz Community Hospital, Kaneshie Polyclinic, Maamobi General Hospital, and Ashaiman Polyclinic.
Source: Citinewsroom
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