The burden of non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a global public health emergency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where most (85%) premature deaths occur due to NCDs.1 NCDs affect the developing economies of LMICs2 since most deaths occur in the productive age group (30-69 years), leading to a diminished workforce. Employees are often absent from work due to the chronic nature of NCDs and in the event of death, families are left with financial difficulties. The World Health Organization (WHO) has iterated that NCDs threaten progress towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's), particularly SDG target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature deaths due to NCDs by one-third through prevention, treatment, and promotion of mental health and well-being.