Urban Health in Africa: Intersectoral Learning and Action to Address Non-communicable Diseases

Africa’s urban transition is unfolding rapidly, with urban dwellers projected to exceed 50% of the total African population by around 2035. Unplanned and unmanaged growth across Africa, and high rates of poverty (62% of urban dwellers live in slum conditions), are associated with exposures that increase risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The burden of diabetes in Africa is expected to increase by 110% between 2013 and 2035, and a very high proportion (50·7%) of diabetes cases are currently undiagnosed. Countries with a particularly high prevalence of diabetes include South Africa (9·3%), Zimbabwe (9·7%), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (6·3%). In recognition of the need for intersectoral approaches to address these urban health challenges, a gathering of urbanists and health experts from across Africa was convened in Cape Town, South Africa, in February, 2017.