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Non-communicable diseases in Africa, the new threat

Introduction

While non-communicable diseases have always been a threat in Africa, they are increasingly becoming the leading cause of death globally. People are living longer than ever due to improvements in life expectancy and decreased death rates from other causes. The biggest challenge for countries like Kenya is premature death due to non-communicable diseases, or NCDs. The prevalence of NCDs among African populations is generally higher than in other regions worldwide. When it comes to causing mortality and morbidity, deaths due to chronic diseases have moved past infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally

Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally. They are also the leading cause of disability, responsible for more than 40% of all deaths worldwide and more than 60% in low and middle-income countries.

While NCDs like cancer and heart disease has been prevalent in Africa for decades, the availability of medical care has not kept up with the demand

While NCDs like cancer and heart disease has been prevalent in Africa for decades, the availability of medical care has not kept up with the demand. According to a recent Lancet study, while overall NCD mortality rates are lower in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere in the world, their prevalence among African populations is generally higher than in other regions worldwide. This disparity is especially acute regarding cancer; according to WHO data from 2015, cancer is Kenya’s leading non-communicable disease killer (NCD), responsible for more than 30% of all deaths that year. One factor contributing to this increased risk is lifestyle: smoking rates among women aged 15–54 were found at approximately 23% across several countries, including Ghana and South Africa—a statistic that’s compared against 12% worldwide on average—while alcohol consumption was also reported as higher than average during several surveys taken throughout Nigeria and Mozambique as well.

People are living longer than ever due to improvements in life expectancy and decreased death rates from other causes

You may be surprised that people live longer than ever due to improved life expectancy and decreased death rates from other causes. The average lifespan has been increasing for decades, and with it comes an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Nations such as South Africa have been able to significantly reduce death rates from communicable diseases, but the NCD burden is still high. The disease burden for NCDs is expected to reach 50% by 2030—that’s more than double what it was in 1990.

The biggest challenge for countries like Kenya is premature death due to non-communicable diseases, or NCDs

The biggest challenge for countries like Kenya is premature death due to non-communicable diseases, or NCDs. These chronic illnesses are often preventable through lifestyle changes and better access to healthcare. NCDs have been called the “new threat” since they’re expected to kill 40 million people worldwide annually by 2030—more than double the deaths from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. NCDs include cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and diabetes mellitus type 2. Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders; musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis; kidney failure; liver cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse; injuries related to road accidents or conflict situations like war injuries caused by landmines left behind after conflicts have ended; communicable diseases that were previously treated at home but now require hospitalization due an increasing number of people living longer thanks to improved access to treatment facilities.

The prevalence of NCDs among African populations is generally higher than in other regions worldwide

The prevalence of NCDs in Africa is generally higher than in other regions worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 60% of deaths from heart disease, stroke and diabetes occur in low-income countries without access to health care. If no action is taken today, the prevalence of NCDs in Africa is expected to rise by 2050 and account for about 70% of premature deaths on the continent.[1]

When it comes to causing mortality and morbidity, deaths due to chronic diseases have moved past infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are Africa’s leading cause of mortality and morbidity, accounting for more than 60% of all deaths in most countries. The number of deaths due to chronic diseases is expected to rise by 2050, with a corresponding decrease in those caused by infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. The reason for this shift is no surprise: non-communicable conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease are associated with lifestyles that include smoking or overeating – factors that have been around for decades but only recently have become prevalent enough for us to notice them globally. These conditions also have higher rates among people living in urban areas than rural ones; this is particularly true among women because they tend to live longer than men across most African countries.

Non-communicable diseases are a growing threat but can be prevented through lifestyle changes and better access to healthcare

Non-communicable diseases are a growing threat but can be prevented through lifestyle changes and better access to healthcare. These are the leading causes of death globally, and they have been prevalent in Africa for decades. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are preventable and treatable. However, many people suffer from these conditions because they do not know their risks or how to reduce them. Experts say that lifestyle changes like quitting smoking will go a long way towards preventing NCDs. In addition, healthy habits like eating well and exercising regularly can help prevent or manage them, as well as increase your quality of life by reducing stress levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to reiterate the importance of taking action against non-communicable diseases. They are a growing threat and can be prevented through lifestyle changes and better access to healthcare. The key is for governments worldwide to prioritize funding for medical care and education campaigns designed specifically for their countries. To combat this problem effectively, everyone must understand what NCDs are and how they affect people’s lives today so that tomorrow will be brighter than ever.