March 20, 2026
Most of the countries in the Sub-Saharan Region, Kenya included, experience a double burden of both Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This dual challenge means health systems are struggling with the rise of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, while simultaneously needing to combat infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This ‘double burden’ necessitates integrated approaches to disease prevention and control as opposed to managing each condition in isolation.
First and foremost, NCDs like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases are becoming a major cause of disability and premature death, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These conditions often require lifelong management, placing a significant and prolonged financial and care burden on individuals and healthcare systems – insurance included. The five major contributing factors include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, air pollution and tobacco use.
Infectious diseases remain a significant health threat in various parts of the world. These conditions continue to put a strain on health systems, which must also cope with the growing demand of NCDs. Some of the persistent issues include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, along with maternal and child health conditions. Bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi are some of the causes of communicable diseases. In addition to all these, the two conditions also experience interactions – a patient with diabetes is highly susceptible to infections while infections such as Hepatitis B can be a precursor to liver cancer.