Epidemiological and nutrition transition: how much progress has been made in addressing the double burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa

Amuna, P. (2009) Epidemiological and nutrition transition: how much progress has been made in addressing the double burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 54 (3). p. 238. ISSN 0250-6807

Abstract

There is accumulating evidence to support the thrifty genotype and phenotype hypotheses which suggest a link between maternal nutrition, intrauterine experiences and the risk of non-communicable disease in later life. Recent national and global statistics show a continuing upward trend in NCD occurrence in many developing regions including sub-Saharan Africa. The WHO 2008 World Health Report suggests that NCDs will overtake and become the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in these regions by 2030 and the question remains why such shifts in poor countries with weak health infrastructure and inadequate human resource capacity? In attempting to address these issues, I shall explore the interactive forces behind the current trends within the context of models of interactions we have recently developed and relate these to the Millennium Development Goals. In this paper, I shall also provide statistical evidence of trends and country case studies and relate these to the progress made so far in addressing Africa’s double burden of disease. Evidence of current strengths (or the lack of it) in human capacity in the health sector in SSA as well as priority areas, strategies and the role of institutional and stakeholder partnerships required to address the challenges in a multi-disciplinary and self-sustaining way will be highlighted.

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