Causes of Death and the Double Burden of Disease in Africa

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition characterised by a shift from a burden of communicable diseases (CDs) to an increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The study aimed to document the double burden of the diseases and the risk factors among the sub-Saharan African countries. The study employed an extensive literature review on African studies conducted by Africans, Diaspora Africans and Western scholars in Africa to establish the risk factors contributing to this double burden. The CDs continue to be the major causes of death including acute lower respiratory infections, HIVAIDS, diarrhoeal diseases and COVID-19 while stroke, ischaemic heart disease and road injuries were the NCDs among the top ten causes of death. The risk factors of NCDs include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol and tobacco abuse and road traffic accidents. Rapid urbanisation, coupled with the adverse adoption of western lifestyle by most Africans, contributes to the process of epidemiological transition. Understanding the burden of disease and its components is fundamental to health planning, health decision making and health care delivery in the African context. Thus, the region should focus on health research and development efforts which will assist in providing evidence-based solutions.