Nigeria, Nov. 16 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the number of people living with diabetes in the African region could more than double by 2045 if urgent interventions are not implemented.

In a message commemorating the 2024 World Diabetes Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said more than 24 million adults in the region are currently living with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed.

Ms Moeti noted that, without urgent interventions, this figure is projected to surge to 54 million by 2045, making it the highest projected increase globally.

"This poses a significant dual health and economic burden, including catastrophic spending by individuals to control their disease," she said.

She ex...