Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Diseases in East Africa - Statistics & Facts
East Africa grapples with a challenging mix of infectious and lifestyle-related diseases, which are aggravated by factors such as demographic shifts, inequality, and climate change. The prevalence of these diseases contributes to significant variations in life expectancy across East Africa. While countries like the Seychelles were projected to have a life expectancy of around 74 years in 2025, Somalia lagged behind with an estimated 54 years. This 20-year gap, among others, illustrates the stark inequalities in health outcomes within the region. While non-communicable diseases are on the increase, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in Africa in general, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. This highlights the need for improved access to healthcare, living conditions, and disease prevention measures in order to minimize the existing disparities.
