About Us
Impact of Foodborne Diseases
Foodborne illness substantially burdens the global economy despite heightened efforts at improving food safety. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 600 million people get sick, and about 420,000 others die from consuming contaminated food each year—resulting in substantial economic ramifications in both high- and low-income countries.
Changing Lives
Improving lives one step at a time with our non-profit organization.
Building Futures
Creating opportunities and a better future with our non-profit organization.
01.
Prove every project
Our Non-profit Organisation delivers transparent and accountable results for every project we undertake.
02.
Open book
We firmly believe in transparency and strive to maintain an open book approach with all stakeholders.
03.
Local partnerships
Building strong relationships with the community is vital and we work closely with local partners.
Make a Difference Today
The Heavy Toll of Foodborne Diseases in Africa: A Growing Public Health Concern
Africa bears the highest burden of foodborne diseases (FBD) per capita. WHO’s Foodborne Epidemiology Reference Group estimates the highest burden of FBD occurs in the two Africa subregions D and E (see map below). Diarrheoal agents account for 91% of the disease burden. Of this, 64% are of bacterial origin, with non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Shigella spp., Vibrio cholerae and Campylobacter spp. among the top aetiological agents.
Growing evidence highlights the significant role of Listeria species, particularly L. monocytogenes, as a causative agent of foodborne diseases in Africa. Listeria spp. have been isolated from diverse sources, including food, animals, and the environment, in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Botswana.
Geographical Distribution of WHO African Regions D (light blue) and E (light green), which bear the highest burden of foodborne diseases
PulseNet Africa, a regional branch of the global PulseNet International Network, connect public health laboratories across more than 19 African countries to collaboratively monitor food- and waterborne disease outbreaks, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Since its inception in 2010, PulseNet Africa has been tracking key pathogens such as Vibro cholerae, Salmonella enterica, diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Listeria monocytogenes, given their global distribution, international transmission, and endemicity across most of sub-Saharan Africa.
Our mission is to foster a proactive and unified approach to outbreak surveillance, investigation, and control, ensuring the health and well-being of communities across Africa.
- Changing lives improving lives one step at a time with our non-profit organization.
- Building futures creating opportunities and a better future with our non-profit organization.
- Movement for change creating impact, promoting change through non-profit work.
- Lasting impact our charity strives for long-term impact in communities we serve.