Narrative Review on Endemic Communicable Diseases in Africa: Mortality and Morbidity Trends, Impacts on Families, and the Way Forward

African nations have experienced various environmental and anthropological changes, including climate change, natural disasters, food safety issues, and increased industrial waste. These changes have increased the risk of emerging endemic microorganisms and intensified the transmission and impact of existing endemic communicable diseases (ECDs). This paper reviews the literature on the repercussions of ECDs, such as malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis (TB), and viral hepatitis diseases (VHD) in Africa. The narrative review involved an extensive search of published articles and grey literature on these selected ECDs in Africa between January 2000 and December 2022. Through case studies on malaria, NTDs, HIV/AIDS, TB, and VHD, the effects of these ECDs on public health, economic development, and social systems in Africa were demonstrated, as they continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in the African region. It was emphasized that underlying social and economic factors contribute to the vulnerabilities associated with these diseases. In conclusion, providing services through community care workers can improve families’ trust, awareness of social support, and recognition of domestic vulnerabilities.