Respiratory health in Africa: Strides and challenges

Abstract

The challenges of Respiratory Medicine in Africa go beyond the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Communicable diseases such as Pneumonia and Tuberculosis are still important public health challenges, although considerable strides in the management have been made. Non-communicable respiratory diseases are also increasing in burden and the risk factors are pervasive in Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the weakness of the health system in most parts of Africa and this is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to develop sustainable strategies to build resilient health systems. A number of African initiatives such as the Pan African Thoracic Society are at the forefront to improve Respiratory health in Africa and must work in collaboration with the global community to achieve this objective.