Global Disease Deaths: Why Africa's Pattern Is Unlike Anywhere Else
While Europe records 125 infectious disease deaths per 100,000 people, Africa faces 675—more than five times higher.
But here is another layer to it: Africa's chronic disease deaths (640) nearly match its infectious disease burden at 675 deaths per 100,000. Every other region completed this health transition decades ago. Africa hasn't.
The 2021 Global Burden of Disease data reveals stark regional differences:
Africa stands alone:
- Total deaths: 1,396 per 100,000—highest globally
- Infectious diseases: 675 per 100,000 (malaria, TB, HIV, maternal deaths)
- Chronic diseases: 640 per 100,000 (heart disease, diabetes, cancer)
- The gap: Just 35 deaths between old and new health threats
Compare other regions:
- Europe: 596 total deaths (471 chronic, 125 infectious)
- Americas: 685 total deaths (445 chronic, 184 infectious)
- Western Pacific: 599 total deaths (508 chronic, 49 infectious)
What makes this pattern significant?
The epidemiological transition describes "the shift from infectious and deficiency diseases to chronic noncommunicable diseases," according to the World Health Organisation.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are "not passed from person to person" and "are of long duration and generally slow progression," including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
Every region except Africa has completed this transition. While other regions focus resources on preventing heart attacks and managing diabetes, Africa must simultaneously combat malaria, ensure safe childbirth, fight malnutrition, AND address rising chronic disease rates.
Why this matters globally:
- Health security: Disease outbreaks anywhere affect everywhere
- Economic impact: Dual disease burdens limit development and global growth
- Innovation opportunity: Solutions for dual burdens could benefit aging populations worldwide
The path forward requires:
For Africa: ✓ Integrated health systems addressing both disease types ✓ Strengthened basic healthcare infrastructure ✓ Chronic disease prevention programs alongside infectious disease control
For global health: ✓ Research into dual-burden healthcare models ✓ Technology transfer for cost-effective solutions ✓ Support for Africa's unique health transition needs
Africa faces a health challenge no other region currently experiences—fighting 19th-century killers while 21st-century diseases emerge. Understanding this exception matters for global health security and offers lessons for managing complex disease burdens everywhere.
Meanwhile, there's a global need to fight non-communicable diseases. This involves addressing modifiable risk factors like unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and promoting early detection, screening, and treatment.
We can do this!