The African Region, which is one of the six regions of WHO, covers 47 countries and is populated by approximately 1 190 393 328 inhabitants as of 2022 (1). The countries of the Region face a heavy burden of infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, in addition to a high ratio of maternal and infant mortality, as well as mortality due to anaemia mainly resulting from malaria, malnutrition, noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and road traffic accidents (2–6).

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly becoming a major public health challenge and are the leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide. Available data in the scientific literature suggest that pre-existing comorbidities, including NCDs, may increase the risk of COVID-19 severity or COVID-19-related mortality.

The new WHO Africa guidance documents, entitled Guidance Framework for Sickle Cell Disease Management and Harmonized Guide for Sickle Cell Disease Management in Africa, provide countries with strategic guidance for policies, comprehensive care plans and advocacy efforts

We, the participants at the first-ever International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa (ICPPA), held on 23– 25 April 2024 in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, recognize the urgency of the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) across our Region.

The first post-COVID-19 pandemic in-person meeting of the African Regional Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) took place at the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO), in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo from 7 to 9 November 2023.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 37% of all deaths in the WHO African region in 2019, up from 24% in 2000. The proportion of premature NCD-related deaths, i.e. deaths between 30 and 70 years of age, in the region, stands at 63.6%, higher than the global average of 41.8% (2019). This invevstement case calls on partners to work with WHO and increase investments in Pen-Plus regional strategy to address severe ncdS.
 

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) present a significant health challenge globally, with implications for individuals living with disabilities (PLWDs).

This is the second progress report produced by the Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases (UCN) Cluster of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.

Control and management of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are prerequisites for successful delivery of global health improvement as delineated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.