Noncommunicable diseases, injuries, and mental health: the triple burden in Africa

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes, mental and neurological disorders are the key noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for high morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mental health, which is closely associated with cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and other NCDs is a major concern in the Region. Examining these three conditions - NCDs, mental health and injuries - shows that the African continent has a triple burden. In this editorial, we call for the urgent need for integration of NCDs, injuries and mental healthCardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes, mental and neurological disorders are the key noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for high morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mental health, which is closely associated with cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and other NCDs is a major concern in the Region. Examining these three conditions - NCDs, mental health and injuries - shows that the African continent has a triple burden. In this editorial, we call for the urgent need for integration of NCDs, injuries and mental health.