Prevalence And Distribution Of Non-Communicable Diseases In Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case Of Hypertension, Diabetes, And Chronic Kidney Disease/Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) has been on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Its burden is affecting health systems, quality of life, and economies. If not attended to, NCDs are projected to cause more deaths by 2030. This study aims to present the geographical distribution of three NCDs, namely Hypertension (HPT), Diabetes, and chronic kidney disease/Acute Kidney Injury (CKD/AKI) across SSA to help inform policy and future research. A systematic literature search was performed in several databases, to identify articles/surveys reporting epidemiology data on HPT, DM, CKD/AKI in the general population in each country in SSA. Articles were screened and those that meet the study criteria were included. Data were extracted and compiled in Excel for final presentation, with geographical heat maps. Majority (65%) of countries in SSA have an HPT prevalence between 20-40%. Diabetes has a prevalence of below 10% in the majority (80.5%) of the countries in SSA. High prevalence rates of over 20% were recorded in Mauritius (22.8%) and Somalia (36.5%). Burundi, Kenya, Cameroon, and Madagascar had the highest prevalence of CKD/AKI, with rates of 45.7%, 38.6%, 32.3%, and 31.6% respectively. The prevalence of HPT, Diabetes, and CKD/AKI in SSA are relatively on the rise. Action-oriented research and policies focused on helping to reduce the rising burden of NCDs in SSA are needed. Investing in the health workforce and increasing healthcare financing is also key in the response to the growing burden of NCDs.