Epidemiology and management of asthma and atopic dermatitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is currently undergoing a transformation process of unprecedented magnitude owing to economic development and urbanization. This process is paralleled by a dramatic increase in prevalence and incidence of noncommunicable diseases. In this article we analyze the current situation with regard to 1 group of the earliest noncommunicable diseases in a person's life, namely, allergies and asthma. This article provides an update on the epidemiology, availability, and access to management strategies by patients experiencing bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis in SSA. Despite all of the progress, there is still a tremendous need to support education and training, transfer of resources, and cooperation with pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to achieve adequate treatment and sustainability in SSA with regard to allergy, asthma, and eczema management.

Keywords: Bronchial asthma; Sub-Saharan Africa; atopic dermatitis; epidemiology; treatment.