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SF | EXPERT OPINION
May 2021 | Vol. 21 No. 5 www.medicalacademic.co.za
This article was independently sourced by Specialist Forum.
Challenges and opportunities with respect to NCDs in SSA
Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are presently going through an epidemiological transition with the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in addition to the huge disease burden from poorly controlled communicable diseases and childhood illnesses.1 Abstract The rise in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in subSaharan Africa (SSA) is at a stage where the burden of disease has tremendous financial and health implications. By evaluating the issues contributing to this phenomenon, this article will assess the commonest NCDs, factors influencing their development and what could be done to address this relentless attack on the populations of SSA, especially with the waves of pandemics occurring in the 21st century.
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lobally, death and disability from NCDs are rising fastest in SSA and it was projected in 2011 that the rise in NCDs will outpace reduction in communicable diseases leading to a double burden of disease, which we see today. 2 NCDs lead to 41 million deaths annually, accounting for 76% of the global mortality. About 15 million of the deaths will occur prematurely (between the ages of 35-69 years) and 85% of these deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 3 A clear relationship is evident between premature NCD mortality and country income
By Prof Amam Mbakwem (Nigeria), Dr Adri Kok (South Africa), Prof Elijah Ogola (Kenya), Prof Jean-Baptiste Anzouan-Kacou (Côte d'Ivoire), Dr Niraksha Jithoo (South Africa) levels. In 2016, 78% of all NCD deaths and 85% of premature adult NCD deaths, occurred in LMICs. Adults in LMICs face the highest risk of dying from an NCD. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates of NCDs accounting for all deaths by country, were 27% in Kenya, 29% in Nigeria, 37% in Cote d’Ivoire, 35% in Cameroon, 42% in Senegal and 51% in South Africa. 3 The rise in NCDs has been attributed to the increase in risk factors such as an ageing population, adoption of unhealthy western diets, increasing prevalence of hypertension, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and