Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 74% of global deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2023). While traditionally considered an issue for high-income nations, NCDs are increasingly burdening low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa, where they account for nearly 37% of all deaths.
In 2021, NCDs were responsible for at least 43 million deaths, accounting for 75% of all non-pandemic-related deaths globally. Of these, 18 million people died before the age of 70, with 82% of these premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases remained the leading cause, claiming at least 19 million lives, followed by cancers (10 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4 million), and diabetes (over 2 million, including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes).
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As the world grapples with the NCD crisis, Africa is taking bold steps to mitigate the impact of these diseases. Governments, health institutions, and international organisations are scaling up efforts to prevent, manage, and reduce the burden of NCDs, proving that Africa is not just a victim of this crisis but an active player in the global fight.
Policy-Driven Approaches to NCD Prevention
African nations have recognised the urgency of the NCD crisis and are implementing policy-driven approaches to curb their prevalence. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria have introduced national NCD action plans, incorporating measures such as taxing unhealthy products, regulating processed foods, and expanding national screening programmes.
Globally, the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages has been a proven deterrent against unhealthy consumption. South Africa became the first African country to introduce a sugar tax in 2018, a move that has significantly reduced soft drink sales and aims to curb obesity and diabetes. Ghana has embraced the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO-PEN), strengthening its primary healthcare system to ensure early detection and effective management of NCDs (WHO, 2022).
At a continental level, the African Union (AU) and WHO Africa Regional Office have championed the 2022–2030 Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, which seeks to integrate NCD care into universal health coverage programmes. This strategy aims to ensure that at least 80% of African countries implement effective NCD prevention measures by 2030 (WHO Africa, 2023).
Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Early Detection
One of Africa’s key strategies to combat NCDs is the expansion of primary healthcare services. Countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria are investing in community health programmes to provide free or subsidised screening services for diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.
Rwanda’s community-based health insurance system (CBHI) has been a game-changer in ensuring rural populations receive regular screenings and access to treatment. Similarly, Kenya has introduced mobile health clinics, bringing NCD preventive services to remote and underserved communities. These efforts align with global strategies emphasising early detection as a critical step in reducing NCD-related mortality.
The WHO PEN-Plus initiative has further decentralised healthcare by training local healthcare workers to diagnose and treat diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions at the district level. This initiative, already implemented in several African nations, reduces reliance on overburdened urban hospitals and ensures patients receive care closer to home (WHO, 2023).
Public Awareness and Behavioural Change
Recognising that prevention is more effective than cure, African governments and health organisations are investing heavily in public health education campaigns. These initiatives focus on raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.
Countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda have implemented large-scale media campaigns, school-based health programmes, and workplace wellness initiatives to encourage healthier lifestyles. Uganda’s corporate wellness programmes and Tanzania’s community-based fitness drives mirror global efforts where behavioural change campaigns have successfully reduced risk factors for NCDs.
At a continental level, the Africa CDC’s “Africa NCDs Prevention Initiative” aims to have at least 70% of African populations engaging in regular physical activity by 2030 (Africa CDC, 2023). These programmes align with WHO’s global target to reduce physical inactivity by 15% by 2030, demonstrating Africa’s commitment to a coordinated global response.
Expanding Access to Essential Medicines and Technologies
Globally, access to affordable NCD medications remains a challenge, and Africa is no exception. However, African nations are making strides in reducing the cost of essential medicines like insulin, antihypertensive drugs, and chemotherapy treatments.
The Africa Medicines Agency (AMA), established in 2022, is spearheading efforts to regulate and increase local production of essential NCD drugs, reducing reliance on expensive imports. As a result, several African countries are now producing insulin locally, significantly cutting costs for diabetic patients.
Additionally, nations like Morocco and Egypt have introduced subsidised medication programmes, ensuring that low-income populations can access life-saving treatments. These efforts parallel international models like India’s low-cost generic medicine programme, proving that local production can be a sustainable solution to NCD drug accessibility.
Overcoming Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite these advancements, Africa still faces major challenges in fully addressing the NCD crisis. Limited healthcare funding, a shortage of specialised healthcare professionals, and weak enforcement of health policies remain barriers to progress. However, collaborations with international organisations, increased investment in health technology, and stronger political commitment are helping to bridge these gaps.
Africa’s approach to leveraging digital health solutions, such as telemedicine for remote NCD management, is also gaining momentum. Countries like South Africa and Nigeria are integrating artificial intelligence and mobile health apps to assist in early diagnosis and self-monitoring of chronic conditions, in line with global health technology trends.
The fight against non-communicable diseases is not unique to Africa; it is a global challenge. However, Africa is proving that despite limited resources, strategic policies, community-driven health initiatives, and innovative healthcare models can make a significant difference.
Through comprehensive policy interventions, early detection programmes, public health campaigns, and improved access to essential medicines, Africa is setting an example for other low- and middle-income regions worldwide. With continued investment and sustained commitment, the continent is well on its way to reducing the burden of NCDs and ensuring that future generations lead healthier, longer lives.
