Kampala — THE Commonwealth Health Forum is concerned over the rise of "lifestyle" or "non-communicable" diseases in African countries. The diseases include diabetes, cancer, injuries and cardio-vascular diseases such us heart failure and high blood pressure.

Dr. Clement Luhanga, the president of the Botswana Dental Association, on Tuesday said the disease burden in Africa was great.

"Africa is dealing with a triple burden of diseases, injuries and traumas. Cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes accounts for 22% deaths, while, cardiovascular disease account for 30%.

"Injuries and other chronic diseases are each at 9%, while communicable diseases, maternal conditions and nutritional deficiencies account for 30%."

He said most of these deaths were due to people's risky lifestyles, such as smoking, alcohol, lack of physical activity and diet rich in fats, refined carbohydrates and salts.

"For instance, 43% of the cancer deaths are due to smoking, diet or infection. Lifestyle diseases occur at younger ages in most African countries, with an average age of death being 10 years younger than in developed countries."

Prof. Richard Odoi, the head of the Makerere University pharmacy department, attributed the phenomenon to the post-colonial era.

"With the introduction of education and formal agriculture, people began to embrace the western style of life, with increased consumption of meat, dairy products and oils,"

Modernisation, Odoi added, saw increased use of motor vehicles, often times in congested environments, giving rise to stress.

The reduction in physical activities are responsible for obesity, he said.

"In the countryside, stress has arisen due to demands of education and poverty."