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Assessment of the demographic burden of epidemics and diseases within the African Sub-Region: A review of recent epidemiological data, responses, and resultant psychosocial risk tendencies

Vidona, Willy Barinem
; 
Willy-Vidona, Charity
; 
David, Lekpa Kingdom
; 
Abia, Bassey Monday
; 
Paul, John Nwolim
; 
Eze, Ukpai A.
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Other Contributors
Affiliation
Edo State University Uzairue; University of Port Harcourt; Ayo Babalola University; Rivers State University; De Montfort University; University of Chester
EPub Date
Publication Date
2024-08-22
Submitted Date
Collections
Chester Medical School
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Abstract
Background: Over the past few decades, epidemic outbreaks and disease occurrences have become more frequent and widespread in Africa, posing challenges for poor countries in the region and impacting vulnerable populations. Limited resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic inequalities, malnutrition, mass gatherings, and lack of proper sanitation and hygiene contribute to Africa’s high burden of epidemics and infectious diseases such as cholera, measles, monkeypox, Ebola viral disease, and COVID-19. This paper reviewed epidemic outbreaks and diseases transmitted through intimate contact in Africa and their impacts on vulnerable populations. Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted to gather and analyze the relevant literature on epidemic outbreaks in African sub-regions. The review encompassed causes, transmission patterns, demographic impact, community susceptibility, preventive measures, and psychosocial risk-taking behaviors. Results: This study emphasizes the importance of addressing the causes of response lapses and the resulting human, material, and economic losses in the region. Effective preventive measures include disease surveillance, early mitigation strategies, contact tracing, personal protective measures, improved political and public health leadership, and socioeconomic equity. However, the review highlights challenges in implementing these measures effectively due to limited resources, delayed detection, and difficulties in scaling up response solutions. Conclusions: There is a need for a comprehensive approach involving health departments, infrastructure development, and addressing socioeconomic factors.
Citation
Vidona, W. B., Willy-Vidona, C., David, L. K., Abia, B. M., Paul, J. N., & Eze, U. A. (2024). Assessment of the demographic burden of epidemics and diseases within the African Sub-Region: A review of recent epidemiological data, responses, and resultant psychosocial risk tendencies. Hygiene, 4(3), 346-360. https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene4030027
Publisher
MDPI
Journal
Hygiene
Research Unit
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10034/629002
DOI
10.3390/hygiene4030027
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
en
Description
Series/Report no.
ISSN
2673-947X
EISSN
2673-947X
ISBN
ISMN
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Sponsors
Unfunded
Additional Links
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/4/3/27