Each year on November 14, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa joins the international community in commemorating World Diabetes Day. This is a day to re-commit ourselves to strengthening the prevention and control of diabetes in our region. This year the day is commemorated under the theme “Women and diabetes - our right to a healthy future”. The World Diabetes Day 2017 campaign promotes affordable and equitable access for all women with diabetes or at risk of diabetes to the essential medicines and technologies, self-management education and information they require to achieve optimal diabetes outcomes and strengthen their capacity to prevent type 2 diabetes.