Lancet Commission on Diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa Launched at Wits
- Dr. Ryan G. Wagner, MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit
The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission on “Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: from clinical care to health policy”, was launched at Wits
Diabetes is progressively becoming a global public health crisis. Sub-Saharan Africa, with an aging population, increasing levels of obesity and heightened access to sugary, processed foods, is at increased risk for diabetes. On the 27th of September, the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission on “Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: from clinical care to health policy”, was launched at the Wits’ School of Public Health by the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt).
The Commission report was presented by co-lead Commissioner Prof Justine Davies who highlighted the paucity of current knowledge of diabetes on the continent, the substantial cost of the condition to both the patient and the health system as well as the fact that the current health care system is ill-equipped to address this growing burden. The health care system does not have the financial resources to address the growing burden. The panelists, made up of leading Wits experts- Prof Karen Hofman, Prof Ken Huddle, Prof Derick Raal and Dr. Alisha Wade, acknowledged the value of the Commission’s report and highlighted the importance of focusing on both preventing as well as treating diabetes, with poignant input from the audience on the serious effects of diabetes.
The event was well-attended by a diverse group of individuals, including Director Sandhya Singh and other colleagues from the National Department of Health’s Non-Communicable Disease Cluster, researchers, clinicians and patient advocates. The audience contributed to a lively and challenging debate on the future of diabetes research, policy setting and treatment in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent, and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to reflect on and begin to address a critical health challenge for Africa.
Further information and access to the full Commission report from the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology can be found at http://www.thelancet.com/commissions/diabetesSSA.