High prevalence of obesity and other major associated chronic diseases

The main findings of the Unono Wa Maore survey component on chronic diseases and body composition are:

• Very high prevalence of diabetes, particularly among women

In 2018–2019, the prevalence of diabetes in Mayotte was estimated at over 12% among people aged 18 to 69, and nearly 40% of them were unaware they had the condition. The prevalence of diabetes was higher among women (13.3%, compared to 10.6% among men). Regardless of the stage of hyperglycemia, these individuals very frequently had associated obesity and hypertension.
These results confirm that diabetes is a major public health issue in Mayotte. The data produced will be useful for implementing prevention campaigns targeted at at-risk populations, particularly people who are unaware of their diabetes and the prediabetic population.

• The prevalence of hypertension remains high in Mayotte, including among young people

In 2019, the prevalence of HTN was estimated at 38.4% among the population of Mayotte aged 18 to 69. The prevalence was similar among men and women (38.5% and 38.3%, respectively). The prevalence of certain risk factors was high, with 75% of those with hypertension being overweight or obese, 13% reporting that they had diabetes, and 69% being economically inactive. The diagnosis of hypertension was known to 48% of those with hypertension, more often among women than men (56% vs. 38%). In total, 80% of those with hypertension had elevated blood pressure during the survey’s clinical examination.
Awareness of the hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control remain insufficient.

• Overweight, obesity, and malnutrition coexist in the Mayotte population

In 2019, 55.9% of adults aged 15 and older were overweight or obese (43.9% of men and 64.4% of women). The population of Mayotte continues to be characterized by high levels of obesity prevalence (27.8%). Among men, it has nearly doubled since 2006, rising from 7.6% to 14.2%. Among women (39.0%), the severity of obesity has worsened. This situation coexists with acute malnutrition among 3- to 5-year-olds: 7.1% were moderately to severely underweight. 3.4% of children aged 0 to 3 years were moderately malnourished, and 4.9% were severely malnourished.

Among children aged 5 to 14, the prevalence of obesity was estimated at 3.3%, while the prevalence of underweight status stood at 21.6%.
Given the very high prevalence of overweight and obesity, it seems important to strengthen measures to promote health, good nutrition, and physical activity.

“Santé Publique France has made it a priority to produce indicators that are as closely aligned with local communities as possible in order to support public health policies. This is what enables us to present these results today through the Unono Wa Maore survey. It has been adapted to the specific characteristics of the island and its inhabitants and covers a wide range of topics. By providing a very precise snapshot of the health status of the people of Mayotte, these indicators will help guide targeted actions for the population. This illustrates the full significance of the complementary nature of the National Agency’s actions with those of the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS) in promoting an environment conducive to the health of all.” Laetitia Huïart, Scientific Director of Santé publique France.

The priorities of the Mayotte Regional Health Agency

• Nutrition is a major determinant of health, and the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS) has made it a priority since 2019:

Prevention & Health-Promoting Physical Activity: Since 2019, the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS), in partnership with several local networks and associations (Rediab Ylang 976, CROS Mayotte, etc.), has been developing and supporting awareness-raising initiatives on nutrition. Between 2019 and 2020, 375 professionals were trained, and more than 2,200 people were educated about the importance of a balanced diet and physical activity. At the same time, two public awareness campaigns were launched to create a new momentum around nutrition in the region.

Food insecurity: In response to the persistence of cases of malnutrition and undernutrition among children, the ARS, in partnership with the French Red Cross and healthcare facilities, has developed a system to care for and support these children since 2019. Medically, children are screened and monitored by the centers (CHM and PMI). The French Red Cross complements this care by offering individualized support to families.

Mahoran Program for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Health (PMAAPS): developed through a broad partnership initiative, the PMAAPS was officially signed by the ARS, the Prefecture, the Departmental Council, and the CSSM in December 2021. This plan aims to improve the health of Mahorans by addressing dietary behaviors and physical activity.

• The prevention and screening of cardiovascular diseases and chronic conditions (diabetes and high blood pressure) will be priority areas of intervention for the ARS Mayotte:

The population of Mayotte is subject to a high prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases. Yet many people today are unaware that they may be affected by these conditions. In response to the need for widespread awareness of these issues, the ARS Mayotte will launch a major awareness and screening campaign focused on cardiovascular diseases across the entire island at the start of the next school year.