The Top Infectious Diseases to Watch out for in Africa in 2022
As we enter a new year, there are a number of infectious diseases that are expected to pose a threat to the health of populations across Africa. While the continent has made significant strides in recent years to combat many of these diseases, there are still challenges to be faced. In this article, we take a closer look at the top infectious diseases to watch out for in Africa in 2022.
Malaria
Malaria remains one of the most deadly infectious diseases in Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the majority of cases. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting. In 2022, efforts will continue to be focused on preventing and controlling malaria through the use of mosquito nets, insecticides, and anti-malarial drugs.
Ebola
While the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016 has largely ended, the threat of another outbreak remains. In 2021, an outbreak of Ebola was reported in Guinea, marking the first time the disease had been seen in West Africa since the devastating outbreak six years prior. Efforts will continue in 2022 to monitor and contain the disease in order to prevent it from spreading and causing widespread devastation once again.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness that is endemic in West Africa. The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated food or household items, as well as through the direct consumption of infected rodents. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain, and in severe cases, the disease can lead to bleeding and organ failure. In 2022, efforts will be focused on improving surveillance and treatment options for Lassa fever in West Africa.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. While the disease is curable with antibiotics, it remains a major public health concern in Africa. In 2019, there were an estimated 1.4 million cases of TB across the continent, with nearly 300,000 resulting in death. Efforts will continue in 2022 to improve diagnosis and treatment of TB in Africa, with a focus on improving access to quality healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS remains a major public health concern in Africa. In 2021, UNAIDS reported that an estimated 38 million people were living with HIV globally, with the majority living in sub-Saharan Africa. While significant progress has been made in recent years to improve access to antiretroviral therapy, there is still work to be done to prevent new infections and improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several infectious diseases that are expected to pose a threat to the health of populations across Africa in 2022. While significant progress has been made in recent years to combat many of these diseases, there is still work to be done. Efforts will continue in the coming year to improve surveillance, prevention, and treatment options for these diseases, with a focus on improving access to quality healthcare services for vulnerable populations. By working together, we can continue to make progress in the fight against infectious diseases in Africa.
