TACOMA, Washington The “burden of disease” is the measure of loss in a human population from death before life expectancy or disability resulting from diseases, risk factors and injuries. The burden is much higher in developing nations and countries that lack quality healthcare infrastructure and technology. With high poverty rates and underdeveloped rural areas, many people lose their lives to diseases that could otherwise be treatable or preventable. Factors that affect the spread and severity of disease compound as well. Kenya is a nation that has a triple burden of disease.
The Terrible Three
Kenya is a lower-middle-income country facing a triple burden of disease from neonatal diseases, communicable diseases and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Neonatal diseases, together with communicable, maternal and nutritional diseases, account for 63% of deaths in the country, whereas NCDs account for 27% and injuries for 10%.