Health experts from International SOS are warning about the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in African workplaces.
In a statement on Sunday titled *“The hidden health crisis threatening Africa’s workforce and business continuity,”* International SOS said that NCDs are quickly becoming a major threat to workers’ health, productivity, and business operations across Africa.
These long-term illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure—often go unnoticed until they become serious. They are quietly causing problems in many workplaces.
Research shows that NCDs are causing a huge 32% drop in productivity across Africa.
These diseases often affect young adults who are still in their working years. This lowers their ability to work well and contribute at their jobs.
International SOS shared real-life examples to show how serious the problem is. In Chad, for instance, health checks at one company’s clinic found that 30% of workers were at high risk for heart disease, and 55% had abnormal blood sugar levels—early signs of diabetes.
These results show that companies urgently need to take action to protect their employees’ health and keep their businesses running smoothly.
Nigeria also shows a worrying trend. Even though most of its population is young—between 20 and 45 years old—NCDs are becoming more common.
The report blames this rise on city living, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets, drinking alcohol, and stress.
Dr. Abraham Udoudom, Medical Director at International SOS, said that changing eating habits and lifestyles in cities make it harder to prevent and manage these diseases.
Dr. Eugenio Langa, Country Medical Director in Angola, added that many chronic diseases in Africa grow silently and are not found until they cause big health problems. He said more education and awareness are needed, especially in rural areas, so people can get help early and use workplace health programs.
The statement gave an example from Angola, where a health survey at an oil and gas company found that over 40% of workers had high blood pressure without knowing it.
If this condition is not treated, it can lead to serious health issues and cause both health and financial problems for workers and employers.
Dr. Langa also said that many remote areas don’t have full healthcare systems, and there isn’t enough funding to deal with NCDs. This makes it even more important for employers to set up strong programs to manage chronic diseases—not just to meet a requirement, but as a smart business move.
The statement also said that in many African countries, more than one-third of healthcare budgets come from foreign aid. This makes it harder to deal with NCDs effectively.
Because of this, employers need to think differently. They should find ways to cut healthcare costs and accidents, boost worker morale and performance, improve hiring and staff retention, and show that they truly care about their workers’ health.
Dr. Udoudom ended by saying that by 2030, NCDs are expected to become the top cause of death in Africa, ahead of infectious diseases. He said that companies must work with governments and put disease prevention at the center of their health plans. Doing this is not just good for health—it’s also smart for the economy. Employers have an important role in building a healthier, more productive workforce and helping Africa grow.
