Guillaume Muhoza
The 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum in Kigali shone a spotlight on a health crisis often hidden in plain sight: the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa
While discussions frequently revolve around the “big four” – cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases – the forum highlighted a critical point: the African NCD landscape is far more complex. Beyond the well-known conditions, a range of less-discussed NCDs are taking a heavy toll, demanding attention and tailored solutions.
“The NCD story and landscape is not only about mortality and death,” Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance, emphasized at the forum. “It’s also about the morbidity that people living with NCDs are facing.” In Africa, this morbidity extends beyond the usual suspects. Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, rheumatic heart disease, and congenital heart disease, while often overlooked, pose significant challenges to individuals, families, and healthcare systems.
The Scale of the Challenge
The forum highlighted the sheer scale of the NCD challenge. As Katie Dain pointed out, “We’ve got 1 billion people living with obesity around the world, 1.3 billion people living with hypertension, a billion people living with mental health disorders, half a billion people living with diabetes and chronic respiratory disease.” While these global figures include the “big four,” they also underscore the prevalence of other NCDs that often go undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Type 1 Diabetes: A Childhood Threat
Take type 1 diabetes, for example. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle factors, type 1 is an autoimmune disease that typically develops in childhood or adolescence. It requires lifelong insulin therapy and careful management to prevent life-threatening complications. In many African countries, access to insulin and essential supplies is limited, leaving children and young adults vulnerable.
Sickle Cell Disease: A Debilitating Burden
Sickle cell disease, a genetic condition affecting red blood cells, is another major concern. It causes pain, anemia, and organ damage. While it’s most prevalent in certain regions of Africa, its impact is felt across the continent. Limited access to diagnosis, treatment, and pain management leaves many individuals struggling with a debilitating and often stigmatized condition.
Rheumatic Heart Disease: The Unseen Consequence of Strep Throat
Rheumatic heart disease, an inflammatory condition that damages the heart valves, often starts with a simple strep throat. If left untreated, it can lead to serious heart problems later in life. In Africa, where access to antibiotics and primary healthcare is often limited, rheumatic heart disease remains a significant cause of heart disease in young people.
Congenital Heart Defects: Silent Killers
Congenital heart defects, present from birth, also add to the NCD burden. While some defects are easily corrected with surgery, many go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to disability and premature death. The lack of specialized cardiac care in many African countries means that children with congenital heart defects often face a bleak prognosis.
A Call for Comprehensive Strategies
The Kigali forum served as a crucial platform for raising awareness about these “unseen faces” of NCDs. Participants stressed the need for greater research, improved diagnostic tools, and increased access to specialized care. They also emphasized the importance of integrating these less-discussed NCDs into national health strategies, ensuring that they receive the attention and resources they deserve. The forum also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of NCDs. As Professor Kaushik Ramaiya noted, “Our environment and our lifestyle is changing so much that with that change in the lifestyle and environment, I think we are having an increasing burden of diabetes and especially obesity and overweight on such a high rise. I think that is also precipitating the increasing burden of diabetes in our continent.” This underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that address both individual behaviors and the broader social and environmental determinants of health.
The Path Forward
The fight against NCDs in Africa must be comprehensive. It requires not only addressing the well-known conditions but also acknowledging and tackling the “unseen faces” of the crisis. By investing in research, strengthening healthcare systems, and raising awareness, we can ensure that all Africans have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives, regardless of the specific NCD they face.
