Africa’s health system faces collapse due to rising chronic diseases, warns expert

Africa’s health systems are at risk of collapse in the coming years due to a surge in chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, a leading health expert has warned.
Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa, highlighted that foreign aid has largely focused on infectious diseases, leaving a significant gap in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. These conditions, which accounted for 37% of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2019, are expected to become the region’s leading cause of death by 2030.
Gitahi emphasized that Africa’s governments must step up efforts to manage NCDs, as foreign aid often aligns with donor interests in preventing diseases that could spread globally. With 50% of hospital admissions in Africa related to NCDs, and 80% of NCD care being paid out-of-pocket, the situation is unsustainable. However, governments lack the financial resources to address this growing problem.
Gitahi also pointed out the need for increased taxation on unhealthy goods like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary products to fund health programs. He stressed that Africa’s reliance on international aid, particularly from the United States, is at a critical juncture, with recent aid freezes by president Donald Trump’s administration exacerbating the situation. As African governments face these challenges, Gitahi called for more solidarity and investment in health to prevent the collapse of critical healthcare systems.