Challenges and opportunities to tackle the rising prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases in Africa

Abstract

Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) related to rapid globalisation and urbanisation leading to shifts in dietary and lifestyle patterns characterised by increased energy intake and physical inactivity. However, unlike more resource-endowed regions, Africa has a double burden of disease: NCD co-exist with infectious diseases including lower respiratory tract infections, HIV/AIDS and diarrhoeal diseases. The African economy is also relatively weaker, making it difficult to cope with this burden. It is postulated that NCD will soon overtake infectious diseases as the number one cause of death in the African region. The recognition of NCD as diseases and obesity as a related risk factor is weak in Africa, compounded by stigma associated with wasting in HIV/AIDS and obesity being perceived as a sign of wealth, achievement and care. There is also a dearth of data on overweight and obesity in the region and little knowledge that infant feeding practices, such as breast-feeding, are linked to reduced risk of NCD in both children and mothers. While complex multi-sectoral approaches to address this NCD menace are needed, Africa may benefit from taking simple initial steps to address NCD risk factors including: (1) behaviour change communication to challenge perceptions on NCD; (2) promoting and protecting breast-feeding; (3) formulating policies and regulations limiting wide availability of unhealthy foods; (4) mainstream nutrition education in school curricula and (5) collection of accurate data based on indicators that can reflect the double burden of disease and malnutrition; and fostering multi-sectoral actions against NCD.

Changing Dietary Habits: The Impact of Urbanization and Rising Socio-Economic Status in Families from Burkina Faso in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…In sSA, due to urban lifestyle and nutrition transition [11][12][13][14], many studies have described that NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, diet-related diseases, chronic kidney and respiratory diseases and cancers, will overtake infectious disease cases by 2030 [15][16][17][18]. These changes promote the adoption of behaviors that favor unhealthy diets and lifestyles, such as inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption and increased energy intake, harmful alcohol consumption, smoking and physical inactivity [19,20].…”

¿La lactancia exclusiva es un factor protector en las infecciones respiratorias? Revisión sistemática de la literatura

“…Owino (19) en su trabajo sobre acciones de nutrición, desafíos y oportunidades relacionadas con la dieta en África presenta una fuerte evidencia del papel de la LME en la disminución de la mortalidad del niño, y la protección de la madre y el niño frente a la obesidad y el sobrepeso. Aquí reconoce que un niño sano es un adulto sano (20)(21)(22)(23).…”

A Scoping Review Evaluating the Current State of Gut Microbiota Research in Africa

“…These factors include urbanization, Westernized diets [ 18 ], variations in hygiene practices [ 19 ], and genetic diversity among African ethnic groups [ 1 ]. Africa is also burdened with numerous health challenges, including increasing rates of non-communicable diseases [ 20 ] such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, as well as exposure to infectious diseases like malaria, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and tuberculosis [ 21 ]. The gut microbiota is emerging as a potential contributor to the aetiology and progression of these health conditions.…”