Non-communicable diseases – a catastrophe for South Africa

• DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2021/8638
• Publication Date: 2021-05-26T13:07:07Z
• Authors: Ebrahim Samodien; Yoonus Abrahams; Christo Muller; Johan Louw; Nireshni Chellan
• Keywords: Communicable disease; Non-communicable disease

Non-communicable diseases contribute significantly to the disease burden within South Africa. In most unequal of societies in world, poverty and socio-economic disparity are amongst greatest obstacles facing Africans, impacting heavily on health care. Adverse socio-environmental factors, especially those experienced during early life, can, through neurobiological epigenetic mechanisms, developmentally programme outcome obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular mental disorders adulthood. this narrative review, we describe social environment by Africans discuss potential contribution epigenetics current future prevalence non-communicable diseases. A large part population (including 60% young children) lives endures challenging environments, due high unemployment, alcohol substance abuse, inter-partner violence. It is imperative that factors be considered as risk for strategies aimed at reducing or preventing these disorders. If situation left unchecked, incidences could exacerbated, potentially catastrophic generations. The consequences can widespread have a direct effect economic development country. Thus, child adolescent requires urgent attention should placed centre healthcare system. Early interventions providing optimum nutrition, secure environment, together with physical activity education cornerstones creating healthier future.Significance: Africa already has burden. – like diseases, cancer, respiratory illnesses known caused interaction physiology, behaviour genetics. About Africa’s children currently live poverty, adverse negative development, leading plethora problems implications widespread: deteriorated health, presenting co-morbidities render individuals more susceptible infectious important recognise repercussions prognosis Endeavours focus provide education, safe environment. These favourable effects children’s brain genetics, thereby promoting their well-being increasing life prospects.