By Atoyebi Nike
Medical experts at International SOS have raised concerns over the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in African workplaces, describing it as a silent but growing threat to workforce productivity and business continuity across the continent.
In a statement released on Sunday titled “The Hidden Health Crisis Threatening Africa’s Workforce and Business Continuity,” the organization noted that chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are increasingly affecting working-age populations, often going undetected until they cause serious health complications.
“NCDs are responsible for a staggering 32 per cent loss in productivity across Africa,” the statement said. “Many of these diseases disproportionately affect younger, working-age individuals, undermining their ability to perform and contribute effectively to the workplace.”
Using real-world examples, International SOS highlighted the scale of the crisis. In Chad, routine employee screenings at a client clinic revealed that 30 per cent of staff were at elevated cardiovascular risk, while 55 per cent showed abnormal blood sugar levels early indicators of diabetes. Similarly, in Angola, a health survey at an oil and gas company found that over 40 per cent of employees had undiagnosed hypertension.
The organization emphasized that these findings call for proactive health strategies and stronger workplace wellness programs. “Left unmanaged, these conditions can lead to serious health issues and significant financial losses for both employees and employers,” said Dr. Eugenio Langa, Country Medical Director at International SOS in Angola.
The trend is also visible in Nigeria, where despite a predominantly youthful population aged between 20 and 45, NCDs are rising. Urban lifestyles, poor diets, alcohol use, and high stress levels are accelerating the problem. “Cultural habits and changing diets, especially in urban areas, contribute to the challenge of prevention and control,” noted Dr. Abraham Udoudom, Medical Director at International SOS Nigeria.
Dr. Langa stressed the urgency of expanding education and awareness about chronic diseases, particularly in remote regions where access to healthcare is limited. “This is a critical opportunity for employers to implement chronic disease management programmes not as a tick-box exercise, but as a strategic investment in workforce resilience,” he added.
With over one-third of health budgets in African countries relying on external funding, experts say the long-term response to NCDs must include stronger private-sector involvement. The report urged employers to rethink health investments not just as employee benefits, but as core to business strategy helping reduce accidents, boost morale, retain talent, and cut long-term healthcare costs.
Dr. Udoudom concluded, “By 2030, NCDs are expected to surpass infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in Africa. Fostering public-private partnerships and placing NCD prevention at the heart of workplace strategy is not just a health imperative, it’s an economic one.”
