Infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS and poverty have traditionally dominated the African Region but diabetes has become a new priority. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Dengue fever is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopiticus). It is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.