Prevalence and Regional Differences of Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Report - MDSpire

Prevalence and Regional Differences of Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • By

  • Mohamed Farah Ismail

  • Intisar Khalafalla

  • Zakaria Omar Sheck

  • Sowda Abdikariim Shiekh Isse

  • Fathi Abdi Farah

  • Ibrahim Abdirahman Mohamed

  • Abdulkarim Ismail Qarbote

  • Abdikarim Ahmed Warsame

  • Naima Abdinour Salah

  • Amina Mohamed Mire

  • Bahja Ahmed Mumin

  • December 26, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Prevalence and Regional Differences of Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the pooled prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adults with diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at approximately 25.5%. The study highlights significant regional variations, with prevalence rates ranging from 13.7% in Central Africa to 31.8% in East Africa.

Background

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable vision loss globally, particularly in regions with rising diabetes prevalence like Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of comprehensive data on DR prevalence in SSA hampers effective public health planning and resource allocation. Understanding the regional differences in DR prevalence is crucial for developing targeted screening and intervention strategies.

Data Highlights

RegionPrevalence of DR
East Africa≈31.8%
Southern Africa≈29.6%
West Africa≈27.4%
Central Africa≈13.7%
Overall SSA≈25.5%

Key Findings

  • Approximately one in four adults with diabetes in SSA has diabetic retinopathy.
  • DR prevalence varies significantly by region, with East Africa showing the highest rates.
  • Data on DR prevalence in SSA is sparse and heterogeneous, complicating public health responses.
  • Healthcare resource limitations and late diabetes diagnosis exacerbate the DR burden in SSA.
  • Systematic synthesis of DR prevalence data is essential for effective public health planning.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in adults with diabetes in SSA, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. Implementing targeted screening programs and improving access to diagnostic services are critical steps in addressing this public health issue.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive screening and intervention strategies to manage diabetic retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa, given the significant regional disparities in prevalence.

References

  1. Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-saharan Africa: Prevalence and Regional Variations From a Systematic Review Andmeta-analysis, 2025 -- Insights on DR prevalence
  2. The American Diabetes Association Releases “Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026” | American Diabetes Association, 2026 -- Guidelines on diabetes care
  3. Retinal Physician — Retinal Disease Prevalence Study Reveals Gaps
  4. Retinal Physician — The Socioeconomics of Diabetic Retinopathy
  5. npj Digital Medicine — Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis of Regulatory-Approved Deep Learning Technologies for Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy in Fundus Images
  6. Glaucoma Physician — Glaucoma in Africa
  7. Retinal Disease Prevalence Study Reveals Gaps
  8. The Socioeconomics of Diabetic Retinopathy
  9. Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-saharan Africa: Prevalence and Regional Variations From a Systematic Review Andmeta-analysis
  10. The American Diabetes Association Releases “Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026” | American Diabetes Association
  11. Original Article

Original Source(s)

Prevalence and Regional Differences of Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • by Mohamed Farah Ismail, Intisar Khalafalla, Zakaria Omar Sheck, Sowda Abdikariim Shiekh Isse, Fathi Abdi Farah, Ibrahim Abdirahman Mohamed, Abdulkarim Ismail Qarbote, Abdikarim Ahmed Warsame, Naima Abdinour Salah, Amina Mohamed Mire, Bahja Ahmed Mumin

  • December 26, 2025

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