Air Pollution in Africa: A Silent Killer Behind Cardiovascular Deaths

Lagos, Nigeria - The alarming rate of cardiovascular deaths in Africa has become a worrying trend, with the continent now reporting the second-leading cause of death after respiratory infections and tuberculosis.

According to scientists, air pollution is making a significant contribution to this increase, particularly in urban areas. While infectious diseases remain a major concern in Africa, cardiovascular disease cases are on the rise, with the number of deaths increasing from 650,000 in 1990 to over 1.2 million in 2019.

In sub-Saharan Africa alone, cardiovascular disease has jumped from being the sixth-leading cause of death to the second-highest, marking a significant shift from its traditional association with wealthier countries. The regions' growing and increasingly older population, combined with changes in lifestyle, have all taken their toll on heart health.

However, addressing this issue is becoming increasingly challenging due to an alarming shortage of cardiovascular specialists across the continent. As of 2018, Africa had only around 2,000 cardiologists to serve the entire 1.2 billion people.

Air pollution levels are particularly concerning in urban areas, with estimates showing that they are three times higher than in high-income regions such as Europe. The region's lack of air quality data is exacerbating the problem, making it difficult for policymakers and health experts to develop effective interventions.

Experts warn that without targeted regulations and public health education campaigns, individuals will continue to suffer from the devastating effects of cardiovascular disease caused by poor air quality.

"Expand air quality monitoring across Africa, and use this data to assess the links between different air pollutants and cardiovascular disease," advised scientists. This would enable policymakers to develop targeted interventions to reduce exposure and improve heart health for all communities on the continent.