Africa Newsroom — In a groundbreaking revelation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive progress report for 2024, detailing the escalating crisis of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health across the African continent. This pivotal document sheds light on the formidable challenges these conditions present to public health and economic development in the region.
The report, meticulously crafted by the WHO African Region, underscores the gravity of NCDs as the leading cause of death globally. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) collectively account for over 80% of the global NCD burden. In the African Region, CVD reigns supreme, followed by cancers, diabetes, and CRDs.
The impact of NCDs is far-reaching, with over 70% of premature deaths attributed to cancers, CRDs, CVDs, and diabetes. An alarming 1.6 million individuals between the ages of 30 and 70 succumb to these conditions prematurely each year, accounting for 63% of all NCD-related deaths.
The report further highlights the escalating burden of NCDs in the African Region. The prevalence of hypertension, for instance, has surged from 19.7% in 1990 to an estimated 36% among adults aged 30–79 years by 2023. Between 1990 and 2017, the NCD burden in sub-Saharan Africa surged by a staggering 67%.
The economic toll of NCDs is equally devastating. Productivity losses due to NCDs now exceed $1 trillion, burdening governments, households, and the private sector, and impeding sustainable development progress.
In addition to NCDs, mental health remains a critical concern. Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders account for over 6% of the total disability-adjusted life years burden in the region, affecting more than 116 million individuals. The region grapples with a woefully inadequate ratio of 1.6 mental health workers per 100,000 population.
Modifiable behaviors, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and harmful use of alcohol, significantly increase the risk of NCDs. The WHO’s role in addressing these challenges is multifaceted, encompassing leadership, coordination, and advocacy.
This landmark report serves as a wake-up call for African leaders and policymakers to prioritize NCD prevention and control. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address risk factors, enhance access to care, and promote mental health.
As the African Region grapples with the dual burdens of NCDs and mental health, the WHO’s leadership and advocacy are crucial in fostering a healthier, more resilient future for the continent. The report serves as a roadmap for progress, underscoring the importance of collective action in combating these daunting challenges.
Source: Africa Health
