The African continent is endemic for many diseases arising in tropical regions, such as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). These and other diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are behind some of the most common causes of death in Africa.
The impact of infectious diseases in African countries is not just a question of health. It constitutes a challenge for the development and wellbeing of many countries and communities. Contracting diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, or NTD affects children’s education, access to decent employment, productivity and economic growth, and the countless social advances in matters of human rights, such as gender equality or sustainability.
What diseases cause the most problems in Africa?
According to the WHO, the health problems causing the majority of deaths in Africa are related to childbirth complications, respiratory diseases, diarrhoeal diseases, and infections. Some data shed light on the scale of this problem at a global level:
- Around 90% of world malaria cases occur in Africa.
- At the end of 2018 there were approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV. 1.7 million people became infected worldwide, two thirds of them in Africa.
- Some 400,000 people die from tuberculosis every year in Africa.
These diseases would be reduced if the healthcare systems of many countries had mass strategies for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cases. This is why strengthening the healthcare systems of developing countries is key to reducing the burden of these diseases on the lives of millions of people.
Which diseases are the most neglected in Africa?
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) are a group of illnesses that affect over 600 million people in Africa, mostly among the poorest populations. Diseases like schistosomiasis (bilharzia), river blindness (onchocerciasis), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), sleeping sickness and trachoma cause massive suffering but receive little global attention or funding. These don’t usually make international headlines, yet they leave people blind, disabled, disfigured, or at risk of early death. Many neglected diseases thrive in rural areas with poor sanitation, unsafe water and limited healthcare. Because they mainly affect poor communities, pharmaceutical companies often have little incentive to invest in treatments.
Skin diseases are among the most neglected health issues in Africa. Conditions like yaws, leprosy and buruli ulcer cause severe skin damage, disfigurement, and lifelong disability if untreated. These infections often carry heavy social stigma, leading to isolation and discrimination. Many skin diseases are curable with simple antibiotics or surgery, yet affected communities have little access to healthcare. Addressing skin NTDs requires not only medical treatment but also community education to reduce stigma.
Progress in the fight against neglected diseases
In recent years, Africa has seen remarkable progress in combating neglected diseases. Mass drug administration programs have reached millions, reducing infections of river blindness, lymphatic filariasis and intestinal worms. International partnerships, such as those supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union, have helped deliver medicines, improve sanitation and train health workers. Countries like Ghana and Togo have achieved elimination of some diseases as public health problems. Research into new drugs, diagnostics and vaccines is advancing, and community-led initiatives have played a key role in ensuring access and acceptance. Yet, challenges remain in sustaining momentum.
Organizations like Fundación Anesvad are crucial part in this progress, focusing especially on skin-related NTD. We work to improve healthcare access in remote communities, strengthen local health systems and raise awareness to reduce stigma. We also support research and training to help break the cycle of poverty and disease.
Next Steps in Addressing Neglected Diseases
The next steps in tackling neglected diseases in Africa require sustained political will, funding and innovation. Strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to clean water and sanitation are essential to preventing reinfection. Governments need to integrate NTD programs into national health plans and ensure long-term supplies of medicines. More investment in research is critical to develop better treatments, especially for diseases like sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis. Community engagement is also key, as local knowledge and leadership ensure that interventions reach those most at risk. Global cooperation must continue to keep neglected diseases on the international health agenda. That is our aim, do you want to be part of it?
