Africa is experiencing an alarming rise in deaths from diseases that resist treatment, with children and vulnerable groups most at risk, according to a new report by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC warns that the continent now faces “the highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance, with 27.3 deaths per 100,000—exceeding the combined death toll from HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.”
The report highlights Africa’s disproportionate burden of infectious diseases:
“The continent faces the highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance, with 27.3 deaths per 100,000—exceeding the combined death toll from HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria,” the African Union Landmark Report launched on Thursday at the Africa CDC headquarters showed.
“Africa bears a significant burden of infectious diseases, accounting for approximately 95 per cent of malaria deaths, 70 per cent of people living with HIV, and 25 per cent of TB deaths globally.”
Dr Raji Tajudeen, Africa CDC Deputy Director-General, said: “We must not ignore this silent threat that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable among us.”
Dr Tajudeen stressed the need for a comprehensive approach: “Unless we work together, overcoming antimicrobial resistance will be a difficult and long-drawn process that will cost lives.”
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms develop resistance to drugs, often due to misuse in healthcare and agriculture. This renders treatments less effective, leading to increased disease spread and mortality.
The Africa CDC estimates $2.6bn is needed annually to tackle AMR effectively across the continent, but current funding falls far short. Without intervention, global AMR deaths could reach 10 million by 2050, with Africa accounting for 4.5 million.
Dr Huyam Salih of the African Union emphasised AMR’s wider impact: “Antimicrobial resistance is not just a health issue—it is a threat to our agrifood systems, food safety, food security, livelihoods, and economies.”
The report calls for urgent action, including strengthened leadership, expanded surveillance, and sustainable financing to combat AMR.
The report recommends increasing access to high-quality diagnostics, vaccines, and antimicrobials in high-risk African countries to address the growing crisis.
