What is projected to increase death most in African countries?

• A. Infectious diseases
• B. Noncommunicable disease
• C. Traumatic injuries
• D. Malnutrition

Answer: (B)

Noncommunicable diseases are projected to cause the most increase in deaths in African countries because the pattern of disease burden is shifting as countries develop. As infectious diseases become better controlled and people live longer, more individuals reach ages where chronic conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases—emerge. Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and rising obesity drive these risks upward. While infectious diseases and malnutrition remain important health challenges, their death rates are not rising as fast as those from chronic conditions, so the category of noncommunicable diseases is expected to contribute the largest growth in mortality.