Economic Burden of Infectious Diseases and Benefit of Control and Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Infectious disease is a serious global health problem. However, its negative impact is felt more in sub Saharan Africa. Epidemiological figures have shown that the burden of infectious disease is highest in the African continent especially in sub Saharan Africa. A majority of people leaving in sub Saharan Africa are poor and their exposure to infectious disease worsens their poverty situation. Aside impoverishing infected individuals, infectious diseases also directly negatively impact the economy of the country involved, reducing economic growth and productivity. Diseases like malaria, HIV, tuberculosis TB, and other epidemic prone diseases like Cholera and Ebola constantly pose a threat to economic development in Sub Saharan Africa. It is therefore pertinent to invest in disease prevention strategies to curb the burden and reduce the impact of infectious diseases on the economy of countries in sub Saharan Africa. This mini review re-echoes the burden of infectious diseases and discusses ways and strategies to reduce the burden of these diseases and the economic benefits that will be accrued at the long run.