LUSAKA – Health Minister Sylvia Masebo has sounded the alarm over the escalating prevalence of diabetes in Zambia, citing data from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2021 survey.
In a recent statement, Minister Masebo highlighted the concerning statistics, revealing that 11.9 percent of individuals aged between 20 to 79 years old in Zambia are affected by the disease.
Even more worrying is the fact that half of these diabetic individuals are unaware of their condition.
Addressing queries from Kanchibiya Member of Parliament, Sunday Chanda, Minister Masebo emphasized the urgency of addressing the diabetes epidemic.
She pointed to Africa’s heightened risk profile, with Zambia reporting a prevalence rate of 36 percent.
“The surge in diabetes cases can be attributed to the widespread consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods,” Minister Masebo stated.
“It is imperative that we implement dietary reforms and intensify awareness campaigns to curb this growing health crisis.”
The Minister’s remarks underscore the need for concerted efforts to tackle diabetes in Zambia, with a focus on prevention, early detection, and management of the disease.
As diabetes continues to pose a significant public health challenge, the government remains committed to implementing measures to mitigate its impact and improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
