Medical experts from International SOS have issued a stark warning about the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within African workplaces. In a statement titled “The Hidden Health Crisis Threatening Africa’s Workforce and Business Continuity”, the organization highlighted how these often-overlooked health conditions are now posing a severe threat to productivity, resilience, and the long-term health of employees across the continent.
The group revealed that cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are quietly spreading among the working population—typically without immediate symptoms—only to be discovered when complications have already developed.
Productivity Losses and Early Onset in the Workforce
According to International SOS, NCDs are responsible for a staggering 32% loss in productivity across Africa. Worryingly, these chronic illnesses are increasingly affecting younger, working-age adults, hindering their ability to perform effectively and remain active contributors in the workplace.
“In many cases, employees don’t know they’re ill until their conditions become severe. That’s the nature of NCDs—they creep in silently and wreak havoc on workforce capacity,” the organization stated.
Case Studies from Chad and Nigeria Paint a Troubling Picture
Real-world examples from countries like Chad and Nigeria have reinforced the urgency of addressing this health issue. In Chad, routine health screenings at one corporate clinic revealed that 30% of employees were at elevated risk of cardiovascular problems. Even more alarming, 55% exhibited abnormal blood sugar levels—often the earliest sign of diabetes.
Nigeria presents a similar cause for concern. Despite its predominantly youthful population aged between 20 and 45, NCDs are rising dramatically. This surge is largely due to rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress, experts say.
Changing Lifestyles Fueling a Health Crisis
Dr. Abraham Udoudom, Medical Director at International SOS, emphasized how cultural habits and evolving dietary patterns in urban centers are complicating efforts to prevent and control these diseases.
“Fast food consumption, lack of physical activity, and stress from modern work environments are fuelling this crisis. Many workers are unaware they are living with chronic diseases,” he noted.
Dr. Eugenio Langa, Country Medical Director at International SOS Angola, echoed this concern, pointing out the dangerous nature of undetected chronic illnesses. “These diseases are progressive and often silent. People don’t realize they have them until complications, such as stroke or kidney failure, arise,” he said.
A Call for Awareness and Early Intervention
In Angola, a health screening at a major oil and gas company revealed that more than 40% of employees had undiagnosed high blood pressure. If left unmanaged, such conditions can lead to debilitating consequences for employees—and financial losses for companies.
“In remote areas, access to proper healthcare is extremely limited,” Dr. Langa explained. “This makes workplace wellness programs not just important, but essential. Employers must act now—not as a formality but as a strategic investment in the health and resilience of their staff.”
Limited Funding and Overdependence on Donor Support
The report also highlighted a structural challenge: over one-third of health budgets in many African nations depend on foreign aid. This funding shortfall has led to underinvestment in chronic disease detection and management, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
“Without a coordinated effort to redirect local and private sector funding towards chronic illness prevention, the situation could deteriorate further,” warned International SOS.
Workplace Wellness as a Strategic Imperative
The organization urged employers to move beyond basic health checklists and adopt robust chronic disease management strategies. These should be integrated into broader business continuity and workforce development plans.
Such programs can yield multiple benefits—including reduced healthcare costs, fewer accidents, improved employee morale, higher productivity, and better staff retention.
A Looming Epidemic with Economic Implications
Medical experts predict that by 2030, NCDs will surpass infectious diseases as the primary cause of death across Africa. Dr. Udoudom concluded by calling for urgent collaboration between the public and private sectors to fight this emerging epidemic.
“Placing NCD prevention and management at the center of workplace policies is not only a public health necessity but also a critical economic decision. If employers embrace their role in supporting employee health, they can help unlock Africa’s full growth potential,” he said.
Ultimately, the statement underscores the need for employers across the continent to treat chronic disease prevention not as an optional extra—but as a foundational part of sustaining long-term business resilience and workforce strength.
