Analyzing the magnitude of global epidemiological transition in sub-Saharan Africa: a need to review the current healthcare management approach

ABSTRACT

Since after World War II, the world has been grappling with the grumbling rising prevalence and economic burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The rise of these chronic diseases has reached an epidemic proportion and a melting point in many communities of the world. This has been made worse by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. While the world is still battling this debilitating reality, a more gruesome scenario is evolving in low-income and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Although these countries account for the highest poverty index in the world, they also account for a disproportionately higher burden of NCDs. More than 80% of NCD-related deaths are presently recorded among the LMICs. Ironically, although most sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries can be categorized as LMICs, yet communicable diseases (CDs) still constitute the highest disease burden in this region. However, based on global projections, SSAmay soon lose this 'advantage' and may become the region with the highest burden of NCDs by the year 2030. If the present trajectory is left unshattered, the resulting heavy double burden of CDs and NCDs will likely crumble the already fragile economy of most SSA countries and tilt the region into an unprecedented recession. A critical review of the present disease-centered healthcare management approach and adoption of a more evidence-based health promotion-centered management approach may be vital in salvaging the situation. This article briefly reviewed the global epidemiologic transition, compared the disease- and health promotion-centered healthcare models, and made a case for a change in health management strategy in SSA.