Kabale, Uganda– The World Health Organization (WHO) joined the Government of Uganda and partners to commemorate the 2024 World Diabetes Day in Kabale District under the theme, "Diabetes and Well-being" and the national slogan, "Empowering Individuals, Families, and Communities for Better Diabetes Management".  The event underscored the urgent need for collaborative action across sectors to address the growing diabetes burden in Uganda. 

The Chief Guest, Honorable David Bahati, State Minister for Trade, representing the Minister of Health, emphasized the devastating health and economic impacts of diabetes, which now affects approximately 716,000 Ugandans. “The majority of those living with diabetes—89%—remain undiagnosed. This silent epidemic requires stronger community awareness and a unified effort to halt its rise by 2030,” he remarked. 

Hon. Bahati further stressed the role of local leaders, stating, “This fight begins in our homes and communities. By embracing healthier lifestyles and strengthening our health systems, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and economic losses caused by this disease.” 

With the diabetes burden in Africa projected to rise by 129% by 2045, the increase in Uganda is driven by greater exposure to risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets rich in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans-fats, and harmful alcohol consumption. These contribute to physiological risks such as high blood pressure, overweight, and obesity. 

In Uganda, recent data reveals a staggering 50% increase in obesity rates over the last decade, a key risk factor for diabetes. However, the health system is not fully prepared to manage chronic diseases like diabetes, highlighting the critical need for prevention strategies. 
Dr Charles Njuguna Kuria, WHO Country Representative, acknowledged significant barriers to effective diabetes care, including insufficient diagnostic tools, limited access to medications and undertrained healthcare providers. 
“In Africa, 40% of those diagnosed with diabetes die within five years—a stark contrast to developed countries, where similar patients live more than 40 years after diagnosis. This disparity is unacceptable,” noted Dr Njuguna. 

The President of the Uganda Diabetes Association, Dr William Lumu, urged stakeholders to adopt innovative public-private partnerships to expand access to care. “Diabetes management is a shared responsibility. Pooling resources and expertise are critical to improving early diagnosis and treatment access, especially in rural districts like Kabale,” he stated. 

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr Charles Oyoo, Commissioner of the Non-Communicable Diseases Department, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing WHO’s Diabetes Compact in four districts. “By enhancing health worker training and providing essential tools, we aim to establish a replicable model for diabetes care nationwide,” he explained. 

Dr Denis Kamara, Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, also stressed the importance of localized solutions. “We must invest in grassroots initiatives that empower communities with knowledge and resources to prevent and manage diabetes effectively,” he said. 

Dr Njuguna reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting Uganda’s fight against diabetes. “The Diabetes Compact represents our comprehensive approach to improving care, ensuring access to affordable insulin for all and ultimately reducing mortality,” he stated. He highlighted WHO’s technical support, including training and access to prequalified insulin manufacturers, as vital elements in combating the epidemic. 

Globally, WHO has set ambitious targets for 2030, including diagnosing 80% of diabetes patients, achieving good glucose and blood pressure control for 80%, and ensuring 100% access to affordable insulin for Type 1 patients. “Uganda’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope for other nations grappling with this challenge,” Dr Njuguna concluded. 

World Diabetes Day in Kabale ended with a call for collective action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize diabetes prevention and control to save lives and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).