Pretoria - Diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have received unprecedented global attention recently with the United Nations member states reportedly unanimously resolving to host a summit on the subject in 2011.
Preceding the summit, South Africa will host the "Diabetes Leadership Forum Africa 2010", set to highlight the growing need for effectively addressing diabetes and NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to a statement from non-governmental organisation Gillian Gamsy International, a coordinated response to the growing burden of NCDs is long overdue, with a disease such as diabetes affecting over 300 million people worldwide.
"In Africa alone, it is estimated that 12.1 million people are living with the disease. The situation is expected to worsen drastically over the next 20 years, with an increase of 98% unless action is quickly taken to counteract this growing health problem," it said.
Now, health ministers from across the African continent are expected to take decisive steps to address the diabetes epidemic when they convene for the Diabetes Leadership Forum Africa 2010 scheduled to take place in Johannesburg next month.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who is quoted as saying diabetes, is one of the biggest problems faced by African population after HIV and AIDS and Tuberculosis, said leaders in the health sectors need to come up with solutions that may result in the reduction of approximately 300 million people affected by diabetes worldwide.
"Partly, our discussions must look into the development of capacity for treatment of diabetes" he said.
The Diabetes Leadership Forum is part of an ongoing campaign to support the implementation of the UN Resolution 61/225 on Diabetes and reaffirm the 2006 Diabetes Declaration and Strategy for Africa.
The outcome will be actionable strategies to move the agenda forward in advance of the UN Heads of State Summit on NCDs in September 2011. Issues to be tackled are health systems strengthening, sustainable approaches to chronic care, funding and investment, better education of people and professionals, and prevention of diabetes and other NCDs.
