Chronic disease in sub-Saharan Africa: a critical history of an 'epidemiological transition'

According to the WHO, Africa is the latest region of the world to be on the cusp of an epidemic of chronic disease, with rising rates of mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic hepatic and renal diseases as well as cancer, mental illness and HIV/AIDS. This apparent epidemiological shift poses significant challenges for already fragile health systems in this region. Professor Vaughan’s project investigates these issues, through asking some critical questions about the definitions and measurements of ‘chronic’ and ‘non-communicable’ diseases and examining the evidence for their longer history in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the current situation and existing 'co-morbidities'.