Why Evidence Based Approaches are Urgently Needed in Africa

Abstract

HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases are still major causes of mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus are also on the rise [1](Lozano et al., 2012). This double burden is equally apparent when examining the leading risks to health, which are dominated by//traditionalrr risk factors, such as childhood underweight, household air pollution from solid fuel use and poor water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as//modernrr life-style associated risk factors, such as physical inactivity and smoking [2](Lim et al., 2012). Addressing this substantial burden requires a combination of effective curative, rehabilitative