In 2021, the leading causes of death in Africa were lower respiratory infections, malaria, and stroke. That year, lower respiratory infections resulted in around 65 deaths per 100,000 population in Africa. Leading causes of death in Africa vs the world Worldwide, the top three leading causes of death in 2021 were heart disease, COVID-19, and stroke. At that time, some of the leading causes of death in Africa, such as lower respiratory infections and stroke, were among the leading causes worldwide, but there were also stark differences in the leading causes of death in Africa compared to the leading causes worldwide. For example, malaria, diarrheal disease, and preterm birth complications were among the top ten leading causes of death in Africa, but not worldwide. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS was the eighth leading cause of death in Africa at that time, but was not among the top ten leading causes worldwide. HIV/AIDS in Africa Although HIV/AIDS impacts every region of the world, Africa is still the region most impacted by this deadly virus. Worldwide, there are around 40 million people currently living with HIV, with about 20.8 million found in Eastern and Southern Africa and 5.1 million in Western and Central Africa. The countries with the highest HIV prevalence worldwide include Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa, with the leading 20 countries by HIV prevalence all found in Africa. However, due in part to improvements in education and awareness, the prevalence of HIV in many African countries has decreased. For example, in Botswana, the prevalence of HIV decreased from 26.1 percent to 16.6 percent in the period from 2000 to 2023.

Lower respiratory infections were the leading cause of death in Africa in 2021. Lower respiratory infections accounted for 8.6 percent of all deaths in Africa that year, followed by malaria, which was responsible for 6.5 percent of deaths. Although HIV is not one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it remains within the top 10 leading causes of death in Africa. As of 2023, the top 15 countries with the highest prevalence of new HIV infections are all found in Africa. HIV/AIDS HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infectious sexually transmitted disease that is transmitted via exposure to infected semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids and breast milk. HIV weakens the human immune system, resulting in the affected person being unable to fight off opportunistic infections. HIV/AIDS was the eighth leading cause of death in Africa in 2021, accounting for around 4.6 percent of all deaths, or around 405,790 total deaths. HIV Treatment Although there is currently no effective cure for HIV, death can be prevented by taking HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Access to ART worldwide has increased greatly over the last decade; however, there are still barriers to access in some of the countries most impacted by HIV. The African countries with the highest percentage of HIV infected children who were receiving antiretroviral treatment were Eswatini, Lesotho, and Uganda.

Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest communicable diseases worldwide, causing around *** million deaths per year. Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are spread from person to person either directly or indirectly, such as through an insect bite or ingesting contaminated food or water. Some of the deadliest communicable diseases include HIV/AIDS, malaria, hepatitis C, cholera, and measles. Tuberculosis Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. Tuberculosis disproportionately impacts the poorer, less developed countries of the world, such as in Africa and Southeast Asia. India reports the highest number of deaths from tuberculosis worldwide. HIV/AIDS Although deaths from HIV/AIDS have decreased over the last few decades, there were still around ******* AIDS-related deaths in 2023. Like many other communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS impacts developing regions more than the developed world. By far, the highest number of AIDS deaths come from Africa and Asia Pacific. Advancements in HIV treatment now allow those infected to live long and relatively normal lives, but access to treatment varies greatly.

BackgroundDespite rising incidence and mortality rates in Africa, cancer has been given low priority in the research field and in healthcare services. Indeed, 57% of all new cancer cases around the world occur in low income countries exacerbated by lack of awareness, lack of preventive strategies, and increased life expectancies. Despite recent efforts devoted to cancer epidemiology, statistics on cancer rates in Africa are often dispersed across different registries. In this study our goal included identifying the most promising prevention and treatment approaches available in Africa. To do this, we collated and analyzed the incidence and fatality rates for the 10 most common and fatal cancers in 56 African countries grouped into 5 different regions (North, West, East, Central and South) over 16-years (2002–2018). We examined temporal and regional trends by investigating the most important risk factors associated to each cancer type. Data were analyzed by cancer type, African region, gender, measures of socioeconomic status and the availability of medical devices.ResultsWe observed that Northern and Southern Africa were most similar in their cancer incidences and fatality rates compared to other African regions. The most prevalent cancers are breast, bladder and liver cancers in Northern Africa; prostate, lung and colorectal cancers in Southern Africa; and esophageal and cervical cancer in East Africa. In Southern Africa, fatality rates from prostate cancer and cervical cancer have increased. In addition, these three cancers are less fatal in Northern and Southern Africa compared to other regions, which correlates with the Human Development Index and the availability of medical devices. With the exception of thyroid cancer, all other cancers have higher incidences in males than females.ConclusionOur results show that the African continent suffers from a shortage of medical equipment, research resources and epidemiological expertise. While recognizing that risk factors are interconnected, we focused on risk factors more or less specific to each cancer type. This helps identify specific preventive and therapeutic options in Africa. We see a need for implementing more accurate preventive strategies to tackle this disease as many cases are likely preventable. Opportunities exist for vaccination programs for cervical and liver cancer, genetic testing and use of new targeted therapies for breast and prostate cancer, and positive changes in lifestyle for lung, colorectal and bladder cancers. Such recommendations should be tailored for the different African regions depending on their disease profiles and specific needs.

This study contains data about mapping prevalence, incidence, and severity of MLN in northern Tanzania. About the project Project title: Integrated Approaches to Manage Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) Disease in Tanzania Project abstract Mapping prevalence, incidence and severity of MLN in northern Tanzania . Project website: http://africa-rising.net

In 2023, an estimated ******* people in Africa died as a result of tuberculosis (TB). In the period under review, the highest number of estimated deaths caused by tuberculosis in the country occurred in 2011, with over ******* recorded deaths. TB is one of the leading deadly diseases in Africa alongside Malaria and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

IntroductionBiomarkers predicting mortality among critical Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients provide insight into the underlying pathophysiology of fatal disease and assist with triaging of cases in overburdened settings. However, data describing these biomarkers in Sub-Saharan African populations are sparse.MethodsWe collected serum samples and corresponding clinical data from 87 patients with critical COVID-19 on day 1 of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second sample from the same patients was collected on day 7 of ICU admission. Patients were followed up until in-hospital death or hospital discharge. A custom-designed 52 biomarker panel was performed on the Luminex® platform. Data were analyzed for any association between biomarkers and mortality based on pre-determined functional groups, and individual analytes.ResultsOf 87 patients, 55 (63.2%) died and 32 (36.8%) survived. We found a dysregulated cytokine response in patients who died, with elevated levels of type-1 and type-2 cytokines, chemokines, and acute phase reactants, as well as reduced levels of regulatory T cell cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-18 were elevated in those who died, and levels reduced over time in those who survived. Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein, Endothelin-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were elevated in those who died.DiscussionThese results show the pattern of dysregulation in critical COVID-19 in a Sub-Saharan African cohort. They suggest that fatal COVID-19 involved excessive activation of cytotoxic cells and the NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich–containing family, pyrin domain–containing-3) inflammasome. Furthermore, superinfection and endothelial dysfunction with thrombosis might have contributed to mortality. HIV infection did not affect the outcome. A clinically relevant biosignature including PCT, pH and lymphocyte percentage on differential count, had an 84.8% sensitivity for mortality, and outperformed the Luminex-derived biosignature.

Risk factors associated with iNTS disease in Africa (1966 to 2014)

Published reports of incidence of iNTS disease in Africa (1966 to 2014)

The leading causes of death among Black residents in the United States in 2023 included diseases of the heart, cancer, unintentional injuries, and stroke. The leading causes of death for African Americans generally reflect the leading causes of death for the entire United States population. However, a major exception is that death from assault or homicide is the seventh leading cause of death among African Americans but is not among the ten leading causes for the general population. Homicide among African Americans The homicide rate among African Americans has been higher than that of other races and ethnicities for many years. In 2023, around 9,284 Black people were murdered in the United States, compared to 7,289 white people. A majority of these homicides are committed with firearms, which are easily accessible in the United States. In 2023, around 13,350 Black people died by firearms. Cancer disparities There are also major disparities in access to health care and the impact of various diseases. For example, the incidence rate of cancer among African American males is the greatest among all ethnicities and races. Furthermore, although the incidence rate of cancer is lower among African American women than it is among white women, cancer death rates are still higher among African American women.

This statistic displays the number of cases and deaths due to Ebola from the outbreak in West Africa which lasts since 2014. As of March 30, 2016, there have been 10,675 cases in Liberia, resulting in 4,809 deaths. The Ebola virus causes extremely severe hemorrhagic fever and is considered a Risk Group 4 Pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). The health sector will focus on cross-border regions to strengthen treatment, testing, and contact tracing.

Ebola cases and deaths related to outbreak in West Africa

Ebola cases in Guinea totaled 3,670 and deaths totaled 2,437 as of June 10, 2015. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the figures in Africa may be underestimated. Nevertheless, the United Nations has anticipated that the outbreak is slowing. Liberia, in fact, was procvaimed Ebola-free by May 2015, with a total of 4,806 deaths during the outbreak. Containment centers have been especially important in preventing further transmission of the virus. Ebola virus disease can be transmitted from animals to humans. Transmission occurs between humans through direct contact, for example through broken skin, blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of those that are infected. Surfaces such as bedding that have come in contact with the infected can also transmit the virus. As of October 2014, there were 1,576 beds for current patient in West Africa dedicated to Ebola treatment. Patient zero, who died in 2013, has been pinpointed to a 2 year old living in a small village in Guinea. The fatality rate of West African Ebola is about 40 percent. In Tuberculosis, an infectious disease, the fatality rate is about 15 percent. Among humans, Ebola is an acute illness with fever as a first symptom.

CFR of iNTS disease from studies in Africa (1966 to 2014)

This resource contains anonymised policy interviews on trypanosomiasis in Zambia from 2013 conducted by Catherine Grant (Institute of Development Studies) and Noreen Machila (University of Zambia, Department of Disease Control). These interviews explore the differing opinions of various stakeholders in relation to trypanosomiasis, a widespread and potentially fatal disease spread by tsetse flies which affects both humans and animals. It is an important time to examine this issue as human population growth and other factors have led to migration into new areas which are populated by tsetse flies and this may affect disease levels. This means that there is a greater risk to people and their livestock. Opinions on the best way to manage the disease are deeply divided (Source: Author Summary- Grant, C, Anderson, N and Machila, N [Accepted] Stakeholder narratives on trypanosomiasis, their effect on policy and the scope for One Health, Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Diseases (PLOS NTD). This was part of a wider research project, the Dynamic Drivers of Disease in Africa Consortium (DDDAC) and these interviews contributed to this consortium. The research was funded by NERC project no NE/J001570/1 with support from the Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation Programme (ESPA). Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/727c1c4e-e097-44a4-abc7-74a4cc9acbfc

Background Meningitis is a severe and fatal neurological disease and causes lots of disease burden. The purpose of this study was to assess the global, regional, and national burdens and trends of meningitis by age, sex, and aetiology. Methods Data on the burden of meningitis were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. R and Joinpoint were used for statistical analysis and charting. Results In 2019, meningitis caused 236,222 deaths and 15,649,865 years of life lost (YLL) worldwide. The age-standardized death rate and age-standardized YLL rate of meningitis were 3.29 and 225, which decreased steadily. Burden change was mainly driven by epidemiological changes. Regionally, meningitis burden was the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Burden of disease increasingly concentrated in low sociodemographic Index (SDI) countries, and this was most pronounced in meningitis caused by N. meningitidis. Countries such as Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, etc. especially need to enhance the rational allocation of public health resources to reduce the disease burden. Children and men were more likely to be affected by meningitis. PM2.5 was found to be an important risk factor. Conclusions This study provides the first comprehensive understanding of the global disease burden of meningitis caused by specific pathogens and highlights policy priorities to protect human health worldwide, with particular attention to vulnerable regions, susceptible populations, environmental factors and specific pathogens.

The largest outbreak of Ebola virus since 1976 was the West African Epidemic, which occurred in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone between 2014 and 2016. The outbreak resulted in ****** cases and *******deaths. The outbreak started in Guinea and spread rapidly to surrounding countries. Ebola Virus Disease Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a viral pathogen that causes fever, headaches, severe abdominal pain and, in some cases, hemorrhaging. It is transmitted from human to human through contact with infected body fluids, infected objects, or semen from a recovered EVD patient. Ebola infection has several stages, including incubation, illness and infectiousness. It is estimated that the mean time from Ebola exposure to the onset of symptoms is approximately seven days. Of the five types of Ebola, Zaire ebolavirus has been shown to be the deadliest. 2014-2016 Ebola Outbreak The West African Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016 was the largest outbreak in history. As of 2016, it was estimated that Sierra Leone had the most Ebola-associated deaths, followed by Guinea. The outbreak began in Guinea in January 2014. However, it progressed rapidly, and by March 30, 2016, Liberia had experienced over ** thousand cases. Throughout the 2014-2016 epidemic, health care workers were disproportionately affected by the disease. By November 4, 2015, there were almost *** cases of Ebola virus disease among health care workers.

Maize Lethal Necrosis Diagnostics Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global maize lethal necrosis diagnostics market size reached USD 74.2 million in 2024, reflecting the urgent need for effective disease management in maize cultivation worldwide. The market is projected to expand at a robust CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period, reaching an estimated USD 156.2 million by 2033. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by the rising incidence of maize lethal necrosis (MLN), advancements in diagnostic technologies, and increased awareness among farmers and agricultural stakeholders about early disease detection.

One of the most significant growth factors propelling the maize lethal necrosis diagnostics market is the increasing prevalence and geographic spread of MLN, particularly in maize-dependent economies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The disease, caused by the synergistic interaction of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and potyviruses such as Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), has resulted in substantial yield losses, threatening food security and farmer livelihoods. Governments, international research organizations, and NGOs have intensified their efforts to curb the spread of MLN through surveillance and rapid diagnostic interventions. This has led to a surge in demand for reliable, field-deployable, and cost-effective diagnostic solutions, thereby fueling market growth.

Technological innovation is another crucial driver in the maize lethal necrosis diagnostics market. The development and commercialization of advanced diagnostic products, such as highly sensitive PCR assays, user-friendly ELISA kits, and portable lateral flow devices, have revolutionized the detection of MLN pathogens at both laboratory and field levels. These technologies enable rapid, accurate, and early diagnosis, which is essential for implementing timely disease management strategies. Furthermore, the integration of digital tools and data analytics for disease monitoring and reporting is enhancing the efficiency and scalability of diagnostic programs. Increased investment in R&D by public and private sectors is expected to yield more robust, multiplexed, and affordable diagnostic platforms, further expanding market opportunities.

Rising awareness and capacity-building initiatives among farmers and agricultural extension workers have also played a pivotal role in the market’s expansion. Training programs, demonstration projects, and public-private partnerships have empowered end-users to recognize MLN symptoms and utilize diagnostic kits effectively. This grassroots engagement is particularly evident in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, where maize is a staple crop and MLN poses a severe threat to food production. As a result, the adoption of diagnostic solutions has accelerated, with increasing procurement by research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, and even individual farmers, thereby broadening the market base.

From a regional perspective, the maize lethal necrosis diagnostics market exhibits significant growth potential in Asia Pacific and Africa, driven by the high prevalence of MLN and strong government support for disease management initiatives. North America and Europe, while representing smaller market shares due to lower disease incidence, are witnessing steady demand for advanced diagnostic technologies and R&D collaborations. Latin America, with its expanding maize acreage and emerging MLN cases, is also expected to register notable growth. The Middle East & Africa region, particularly East Africa, remains at the forefront of market expansion due to persistent MLN outbreaks and international donor support for diagnostics deployment.

Product Type Analysis

The maize lethal necrosis diagnostics market is segmented by product type into ELISA kits, PCR assays, lateral flow devices, and others. Among these, PCR assays have emerged as the most preferred diagnostic tool owing to their high sensitivity and specificity in detec

This study systematically reviews the literature on the occurrence, incidence and case fatality rate (CFR) of invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease in Africa from 1966 to 2014. Data on the burden of iNTS disease in Africa are sparse and generally have not been aggregated, making it difficult to describe the epidemiology that is needed to inform the development and implementation of effective prevention and control policies. This study involved a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase databases. It documents the geographical spread of iNTS disease over time in Africa, and describes its reported incidence, risk factors and CFR. We found that Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) have been reported as a cause of bacteraemia in 33 out of 54 African countries, spanning the five geographical regions of Africa, and especially in sub-Saharan Africa since 1966. Our review indicates that NTS have been responsible for up to 39% of community acquired blood stream infections in sub-Saharan Africa with an average CFR of 19%. Salmonella Typhimurium and Enteritidis are the major serovars implicated and together have been responsible for 91%% of the cases of iNTS disease, (where serotype was determined), reported in Africa. The study confirms that iNTS disease is more prevalent amongst Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals, infants, and young children with malaria, anaemia and malnutrition. In conclusion, iNTS disease is a substantial cause of community-acquired bacteraemia in Africa. Given the high morbidity and mortality of iNTS disease in Africa, it is important to develop effective prevention and control strategies including vaccination.

The trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Tbg) is a cause of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) endemic to many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is almost invariably fatal if untreated and there is no vaccine, which makes monitoring and managing drug resistance highly relevant. A recent study of HAT cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a high incidence of relapses in patients treated with melarsoprol. Of the 19 Tbg strains isolated from patients enrolled in this study, four pairs were obtained from the same patient before treatment and after relapse. We used whole genome sequencing to investigate whether these patients were infected with a new strain, or if the original strain had regrown to pathogenic levels. Clustering analysis of 5938 single nucleotide polymorphisms supports the hypothesis of regrowth of the original strain, as we found that strains isolated before and after treatment from the same patient were more similar to each other than to other isolates. We also identified 23 novel genes that could affect melarsoprol sensitivity, representing a promising new set of targets for future functional studies. This work exemplifies the utility of using evolutionary approaches to provide novel insights and tools for disease control.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Yellow Fever Vaccine market size was USD 4528.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1811.40 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1358.55 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1041.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 226.43 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 90.57 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Sylvatic Yellow Fever category is the fastest-growing segment of the Yellow Fever Vaccine industry

Market Dynamics of Yellow Fever Vaccine Market

Key Drivers for Yellow Fever Vaccine Market

Rising Incidence of Yellow Fever to Boost Market Growth

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2023, 34 countries in Africa and 13 in Central and South America are either endemic or have endemic regions for yellow fever. Between August 26 and November 29, 2022, 22 additional confirmed cases were reported across ten countries. However, after a retrospective review, only seven new confirmed cases and one death were identified. Since 2021, in the WHO African Region, a total of 203 confirmed cases and 252 probable cases of yellow fever have been reported, with 40 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 9%. Among the confirmed cases, 23 deaths were recorded, reflecting a CFR of 11%. The high CFR among confirmed cases remained consistent, with 17 deaths (11%) in 2021 and six deaths (12%) in 2022. This increasing disease burden is driving significant demand for yellow fever vaccines, especially in endemic areas. Recent severe outbreaks in Brazil, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have intensified global awareness and the need for preventive measures, further stimulating the vaccine market.

Expansion of Vaccination Programs to Drive Market Growth

In 2017, the WHO, in collaboration with UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, launched the EYE Strategy to protect at-risk populations in 40 countries across Africa and the Americas through mass vaccination campaigns and by ensuring a sustainable vaccine supply. Since the start of the current outbreak (2021 to December 7, 2022), a total of 4,385,320 people have been vaccinated in five countries—Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, and Kenya—through the ICG-supported response. A reactive campaign in Kembe Satema, Central African Republic, from November 2 to 19, 2022, achieved 101.7% coverage, while a campaign in Bambari, which ended on November 23, 2022, reached 87.7% coverage based on preliminary results. These efforts have accelerated vaccine deployment and expanded immunization programs, providing growth opportunities for vaccine manufacturers. Additionally, many countries in yellow fever-endemic regions have incorporated the vaccine into their national immunization schedules, ensuring steady demand. In several African and South American nations, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for children, further boosting the market.

Restraint Factor for the Yellow Fever Vaccine Market

Vaccine Supply Shortages and High-Cost Will Limit Market Growth

Yellow fever vaccine production is concentrated among a limited number of manufacturers, leading to supply bottlenecks. This has caused periodic shortages, especially during large-scale outbreaks when demand surges. The production of the live-attenuated vaccine is complex, relying on chicken embryos for cultivation, which limits the ability to rapidly scale up production. In sudden outbreaks, vaccine demand often exceeds supply. The global stockpile maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) is sometimes insufficient to me...