Infectious diseases now leading cause of death in Kenya - report
The 2023 Kenya Vital Statistics data reveals that communicable diseases accounted for 43.4 per cent of all deaths, a sharp rise from 32.8 per cent in 2022.
In a dramatic shift, communicable diseases have surpassed non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the leading cause of death in Kenya, according to a new report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The 2023 Kenya Vital Statistics data reveals that communicable diseases accounted for 43.4 per cent of all deaths, a sharp rise from 32.8 per cent in 2022.
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This marks a public health challenge, with diseases like respiratory infections, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria contributing to the surge in fatalities.
Historically, NCDs, including cancer, stroke, and diabetes, have been the primary causes of death globally.
However, in 2023, NCDs were responsible for 39.1 per cent of deaths, down from 44.1 per cent in the previous year.
Despite this decline, NCDs still represent over 40 per cent of all deaths in Kenya and more than half of all hospital admissions. Diabetes, in particular, remains a growing concern.
Communicable diseases are often spread through direct contact, contaminated food and water, or insect vectors.
Unlike NCDs, which are usually the result of long-term health conditions, communicable diseases can lead to rapid outbreaks and widespread impact.
According to Elisha Odhiambo, a public health expert, attributes the rise in communicable diseases to several factors, including emerging outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and gaps in immunisation.
He stresses that these factors point to significant shortcomings in Kenya's healthcare system.
"The resurgence of infectious diseases as the leading cause of death highlights gaps in our health system, including immunisation coverage and disease surveillance," Odhiambo said.
He added that the rise in deaths from infectious diseases, injuries, and maternal complications calls for urgent reforms.
Strengthening health infrastructure, improving disease prevention strategies, and expanding access to quality healthcare are vital to reversing the concerning trend.
"The numbers speak for themselves. If we do not act now, we risk reversing decades of progress in national and global health," warned Dr. Odhiambo.
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