From margins to mandate: Elevating thyroid care in Africa
New research addresses the gaps surrounding thyroid disease by focusing on how improvements made in awareness, prevention, screening, data and engagement with patients and healthcare providers could lead to better outcomes in Africa.
7 Apr 2026
Thyroid disorders are a significant global public health issue, yet they remain a largely unrecognised health burden across Africa despite being mostly preventable and treatable.
Africa carries a substantial burden of iodine deficiency and related thyroid disorders, including goitre, congenital hypothyroidism, pregnancy-related thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid cancer.
Globally, thyroid dysfunction is the second most common endocrine disorder after diabetes and affects around 200m people. In Africa, although data is scarce, millions of people live with thyroid conditions, many of which are likely undiagnosed or untreated. Goitres—which are associated with stigma, especially for women—affect around 28.3% of the continent’s population, rising as high as 70% in some school-aged populations.
These conditions are a major public health concern as they can affect quality of life, both physically and mentally, at every life stage, from neonates to older people, and commonly present alongside other chronic diseases. Pregnant women face a higher risk of thyroid disease because they need more iodine. Furthermore, data suggest that thyroid disorders carry significant societal and economic implications due to elevated healthcare expenditure and productivity losses linked to life-long disability. Even so, awareness of thyroid disorders among healthcare providers and the public remains limited, and these conditions continue to sit on the margins of health surveillance, policy prioritisation and service delivery, underscoring the need for greater attention from policymakers and governments in Africa.
This research reviews thyroid and related health measures in 54 African countries, showing where they meet global standards and where they fall short. It highlights several priorities to help African countries speed up progress on thyroid health:
Renewed efforts are needed for primary prevention, neonatal screening and targeted maternal and adult care.
Fund robust data collection and research on thyroid disease.
Invest in improving access to thyroid care and make it affordable and equitable.
Strengthen regional governance and national stewardship.
Boost awareness and advocacy initiatives and partner with community and patient groups.
Drive integration and initiate partnerships to offer major opportunities.
