Demographic and epidemiological transitions and burden of adolescent healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa: A review

Abstract

This review's main objective is to discuss how demographic and epidemiological transitions relate to the burden of adolescent healthcare  in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The review explicitly discussed the burden of adolescent healthcare, the current African  policies  on adolescent healthcare, and gaps in the African policies compared with Europe and North America. We also examined  how adolescent  healthcare policies evolve and documented the recommended essential part of the policy for enhancing its  sustainability. The burden of  adolescent health is high in SSA with diseases and reproductive health-related problems prevailing  among adolescents. However,  variations exist in the burden of adolescent healthcare across countries in the region. While some  SSA countries are currently  undergoing demographic and epidemiological transition processes concerning adolescent health care,  the majority are either at an early  stage of the transition or yet to commence the process. Policy-makers should consider effective  ways to improve adolescents’  health in SSA through preventive mechanisms and a multi-dimensional approach.