In Grenoble, an exhibition to understand diabetes in Africa
As World Diabetes Day (November 14) approaches, the NGO Santé Diabète aims to draw attention to this still too silent global health crisis through a photographic exhibition, « Le diabète en Afrique : réalités, obstacles, espoirs », "Diabetes in Africa: realities, challenges, hopes" in English, which will take place from November 5 to 29, 2025, at the Maison Internationale Grenoble (MIG).
The goal is to present various issues surrounding diabetes by illustrating its rapid progression and the deep inequalities in access to care for this disease, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
An exhibition to raise awareness of a global public health crisis
The number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled in twenty-five years worldwide, rising from 151 million in 2000 to 589 million in 2024, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is particularly concerning:
- Nearly 25 million people are currently living with the disease.
- This number is expected to more than double by 2050 — the highest increase in the world.
- More than 70% of cases are undiagnosed.
- The region receives only 1% of global spending on diabetes, while it accounts for 11% of patients.
Across the continent, health systems are struggling to cope with the rapid rise of diabetes in a context of limited financial resources and a severe shortage of healthcare professionals. These systemic challenges are compounded by a double disease burden: the continued prevalence of infectious diseases alongside the rapid growth of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
On top of these systemic difficulties, patients face daily challenges: a lack of trained healthcare professionals, frequent shortages of treatments such as insulin, and high costs of medical follow-up. All these factors result in incomplete care and unsustainable expenses for families.
In response, Santé Diabète has been working on the ground for twenty-five years in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Union of the Comoros to strengthen health systems by improving prevention and ensuring patient access to care. Alongside this strong local engagement, the NGO also leads international advocacy efforts for diabetes to finally be recognized as a public health priority.
An exhibition in Grenoble to see and understand diabetes
The exhibition presented in Grenoble retraces twenty-five years of commitment and action by Santé Diabète through the eyes of five photographers: Olivier Hébrard, Sébastien Rieussec (France), Adrien Bitibaly (Burkina Faso), John Kalapo (Mali), and Nextez (Comoros).
Three main themes structure the exhibition:
The first section, “Realities,” helps visitors understand the causes of diabetes and its various types, as well as its connection to environmental, dietary, and social contexts.
Next, visitors are invited to explore the “Obstacles” to healthcare in Africa, including barriers to prevention, screening, treatment — such as access to insulin — and regular follow-up.
Finally, the exhibition concludes with “Hopes,” showcasing local initiatives supported by Santé Diabète and driven by authorities, patients, communities, and healthcare providers.
Through its photographs, the exhibition draws parallels between the realities of diabetes in Mali, Burkina Faso, the Comoros, and France. While situations differ, certain similarities emerge — such as long waiting times, lack of healthcare professionals, or the stigma experienced by people living with diabetes. Other contrasts, however, highlight persistent inequalities: technological divides, difficulties accessing insulin, and insufficient training and information among healthcare staff.
“For twenty-five years, we have been warning, both on the ground and to institutions, about the consequences of failing to take diabetes seriously in Africa — for patients and health systems alike. Today, in Grenoble, we want to show this reality to better understand what it also reveals about global and French inequalities.”
Nina Tousch, Communication Officer at Santé Diabète
More than a retrospective, this exhibition is an invitation to dialogue between the Global North and South. It reminds us that the answers to improving prevention and access to care are far from exhausted — and that African experiences can inspire new approaches here in France.
Exhibition "Le diabète en Afrique : réalités, obstacles, espoirs”
November 5–29, 2025
Maison Internationale Grenoble, 1 Rue Hector Berlioz
38000 Grenoble
Free entry, Wednesday to Saturday, 2–6 p.m.
