Heart Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current and Future Systems of Care

Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions, fuelled by urbanisation, lifestyle changes and ageing populations. Consequently, the continent is faced with a ballooning burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of NCD-related mortality in SSA, with heart failure (HF) being the common phenotypic manifestation, afflicting a relatively younger population compared to other world regions. Even though the burden of HF is expected to double by 2030, HF systems of care remain poor in sub-Saharan Africa. Poor outcomes are especially aggravated by systemic barriers including under-resourced and siloed prevention, diagnostic, treatment and research efforts. Integrating HF care delivery through a systems approach and addressing risk factor prevention, screening and treatment across various tiers of care is crucial in abating the increasing burden of HF and NCDs. Further, a more patient-centred system of care that strengthens health financing, policies and system capabilities should be adopted to improve HF care and outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.