Health & Awareness
Conditions that weigh heavily on African and Caribbean communities, at home and across the diaspora — warning signs, prevention tips, and why they matter. This information is educational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Cardiovascular
Ischemic Heart Disease / Coronary Artery Disease
Narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart. High blood pressure, which is more common in people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage, is a major driver. In the US, Black Americans are 35% more likely than the population overall to die from heart and blood vessel diseases.
Warning Signs
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the arm, shoulder or jaw
- Weakness, light-headedness, nausea or a cold sweat
Prevention
- Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- A lower-salt, heart-healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- Don't smoke
Read more →
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease)
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain stops. People from a Black background have a higher risk, much of it linked to high blood pressure. In the US, Black adults are 43% more likely to have a stroke than adults overall.
Warning Signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Sudden trouble seeing or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Prevention
- Keep blood pressure under control
- Know the F.A.S.T. signs and call emergency services right away
- Regular exercise
- Limit alcohol and don't smoke
Read more →
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so a check is the only way to know you have it. People of Black African and Black Caribbean background are at higher risk. In the Americas it affects over a third of adults aged 30 to 70, and it is a major cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Warning Signs
- Usually no symptoms — regular checks are essential
- Rarely: headaches, blurred vision or chest pain
Prevention
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly
- Cut down on salt
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol and don't smoke
Read more →
Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)
An inherited heart condition in which abnormal protein builds up and stiffens the heart muscle. The heart form is more common in people of African ancestry: it is estimated to affect 3 to 3.9% of African Americans and about 5% of people in some parts of West Africa.
Warning Signs
- Shortness of breath with mild activity
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
Prevention
- Genetic counselling if heart failure runs in your family
- Early heart check-up for unexplained shortness of breath or swelling
- Regular checkups
Read more →
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
A rare form of heart failure that develops in the last month of pregnancy or up to 5 months after birth. African ancestry is one of its known risk factors, along with preeclampsia and having several pregnancies.
Warning Signs
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat
- Swelling of the ankles
- Racing or skipping heartbeat
- Extreme fatigue after delivery
Prevention
- Report breathing problems after birth immediately
- Attend all postpartum checkups
- Know your personal risk factors
Read more →
Cancer
Cancer (General)
Around 38% of cancers can be prevented, and cancers found early are more likely to respond to treatment. Death rates from cervical, breast, prostate and colon cancer have been reported as 2 to 9 times higher in the Caribbean than in the United States, so screening and early checks matter.
Warning Signs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent lumps or swelling
- Unusual bleeding
- Ongoing tiredness
Prevention
- Age-appropriate cancer screenings
- Don't use tobacco and limit alcohol
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight
- Know your family cancer history
Read more →
Prostate Cancer
Men from a Black African or African Caribbean background are at higher risk. Prostate cancer accounts for 18 to 47% of cancer deaths in Caribbean countries, and in the US Black men are about twice as likely as White men to die from it. Most early prostate cancers cause no symptoms.
Warning Signs
- Difficulty starting to urinate or a weak flow
- Urinating often, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Often no early symptoms
Prevention
- Ask your doctor about prostate cancer testing
- Know your family history
- Regular checkups
Read more →
Colorectal Cancer
Black adults in the US have one of the highest colorectal cancer death rates, partly because it is often found later. It may cause no symptoms early on, which is why screening from age 45 matters.
Warning Signs
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in or on your stool
- Belly pain or cramps that don't go away
- Weight loss you can't explain
Prevention
- Start colorectal screening at age 45
- High-fibre diet
- Limit processed and red meat
- Stay active
Read more →
Lung Cancer
Black men in the US have higher lung cancer rates than White men. Most people have no symptoms until it is advanced. Smoking is the main cause, and secondhand smoke and radon gas also raise the risk.
Warning Signs
- A cough that gets worse or won't go away
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
Prevention
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
- Ask about lung cancer screening if you're at high risk
- Test your home for radon
Read more →
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
An aggressive type of breast cancer. US research has found higher rates of triple-negative breast cancer in Black women, including women under 45, who were also more often diagnosed at a later stage.
Warning Signs
- A new lump in the breast or armpit
- Any change in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or irritation of the skin
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
Prevention
- Know what's normal for your breasts and report changes
- Ask your doctor when to start mammograms
- Know your family history
Read more →
Metabolic & Chronic Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is two to four times more likely in people of African-Caribbean or Black African descent, and their risk rises from age 25 rather than 40. Symptoms can be mild for years. In the Americas, 112 million adults live with diabetes.
Warning Signs
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more than usual
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying, blurred vision or slow-healing cuts
Prevention
- Ask for a blood sugar check if you're over 25 and of African or Caribbean heritage
- Keep a healthy weight
- At least 150 minutes of activity a week
- Cut down on sugar and don't smoke
Read more →
Chronic Kidney Disease / End-Stage Renal Disease
Kidney damage that often has no symptoms until it is advanced. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the main causes, and both are more common in people of African and Caribbean heritage. Black people are also more likely to reach advanced kidney disease.
Warning Signs
- Often none until advanced
- Swelling in the legs, feet or ankles
- Tiredness and trouble concentrating
- Nausea, poor appetite or muscle cramps
Prevention
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control
- Regular kidney tests if you're at risk
- Keep a healthy weight
Read more →
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases (COPD & Severe Asthma)
Most asthma deaths happen in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where it is often under-diagnosed and under-treated. COPD is caused by smoking and, in many low- and middle-income countries, by smoke from cooking and heating with wood, charcoal and other solid fuels.
Warning Signs
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Frequent chest infections
Prevention
- Use your inhalers as prescribed
- Avoid smoke and other known triggers
- Use cleaner cooking fuels where possible
- Get vaccinated against flu
Read more →
Metabolic Syndrome
A group of risk factors: a large waistline, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low 'good' cholesterol. Having three or more raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. It is largely preventable.
Warning Signs
- Often no direct symptoms
- A large waistline
- High blood pressure or blood sugar readings
Prevention
- Regular checks of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
- A balanced, heart-healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
Read more →
Obesity-Related Metabolic Disorders
Excess weight raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and other conditions. Overweight is rising fastest in low- and middle-income countries; in Africa, the number of overweight children under 5 has risen by about 12% since 2000.
Warning Signs
- Rapid weight gain
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Shortness of breath with activity
Prevention
- More fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains
- Fewer sugary drinks
- Regular physical activity and good sleep
- Routine checks of blood pressure and blood sugar
Read more →
Diabetic Neuropathy and Nephropathy
Long-term complications of diabetes that damage the nerves and kidneys. One-third to one-half of people with diabetes have nerve damage in the feet, legs or hands. Diabetic kidney disease usually has no symptoms, so regular kidney tests are the only way to know.
Warning Signs
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Foot sores that won't heal
- Swelling
- Often no symptoms of kidney damage
Prevention
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure on target
- Check your feet every day
- Yearly urine and blood tests for kidney health
Read more →
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
Scarring in parts of the kidney's tiny filters, which lets protein leak into the urine and can lead to kidney failure. People of African descent are much more likely to develop it: in African Americans who carry two APOL1 high-risk gene variants, the lifetime risk is about 4%, and it tends to start younger, often between 15 and 39.
Warning Signs
- Foamy or frothy urine
- Swelling around the eyes, ankles or legs
- Sudden weight gain from fluid
- High blood pressure
Prevention
- Ask for a urine protein test (uACR or uPCR) and a kidney blood test (eGFR) if kidney disease runs in your family
- Keep blood pressure under control
- Cut down on salt
- Never stop steroid treatment suddenly — speak to your kidney team first
Read more →
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Variants of the APOL1 gene, found in people of recent African ancestry, raise the risk of several kinds of kidney disease. They probably became common because carrying one copy protects against African sleeping sickness.
Warning Signs
- Often silent until advanced
- Swelling
- Foamy urine
- Fatigue
Prevention
- Genetic counselling if kidney disease runs in your family
- Regular kidney function tests
- Keep blood pressure under control
Read more →
Maternal Health
Maternal Health Complications
Around 70% of the world's maternal deaths happen in sub-Saharan Africa, and most are preventable. Severe bleeding, infections and high blood pressure in pregnancy are leading causes. Knowing the urgent warning signs during and after pregnancy saves lives.
Warning Signs
- A headache that won't go away or vision changes
- Heavy bleeding
- Extreme swelling of hands or face
- Trouble breathing, chest pain or fever
Prevention
- Attend all antenatal and postnatal visits
- Give birth with a skilled health worker
- Know the urgent maternal warning signs
- Monitor blood pressure after birth
Read more →
Preeclampsia
High blood pressure in pregnancy, most likely from 20 weeks onward, which can also develop after birth. Women from a Black background are at higher risk. It affects 3 to 8% of births worldwide, and low-dose aspirin can help prevent it in women at risk.
Warning Signs
- High blood pressure
- Severe headache that painkillers don't help
- Vision changes
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
Prevention
- Attend all antenatal appointments
- Ask whether low-dose aspirin is right for you
- Report symptoms immediately — don't wait
Read more →
Eclampsia
Seizures or coma in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia — a medical emergency. Most women have warning signs first, such as a severe headache, vision problems or upper belly pain.
Warning Signs
- Seizures
- Severe headache
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- Severe pain in the upper right belly
Prevention
- Treat preeclampsia symptoms as urgent
- Get emergency care immediately for any seizure
- Close antenatal monitoring
Read more →
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Severe bleeding after childbirth is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide, causing about 70,000 deaths a year. Skilled care at birth that can act quickly saves lives.
Warning Signs
- Heavy bleeding after delivery
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pale, clammy skin
Prevention
- Give birth with skilled health workers who can respond quickly
- Know the signs and speak up immediately
- Discuss your risk factors with your provider beforehand
Read more →
Infectious & Mental Health
Chronic Hepatitis B & C Infection
Chronic hepatitis B and C can silently damage the liver for years. In the WHO African Region, about 64 million people live with chronic hepatitis B and 8 million with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, and hepatitis C can be cured in more than 95% of people.
Warning Signs
- Often none for years
- Feeling very tired
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or belly pain
Prevention
- Get tested if you may be at risk
- Hepatitis B vaccine — babies should get the first dose within 24 hours of birth
- Don't share needles, razors or toothbrushes
Read more →
Influenza and Pneumonia
Respiratory infections that can become severe, especially for pregnant women, young children, people over 65 and people with heart, lung, kidney or other chronic conditions. Pneumonia deaths among young children are highest in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Warning Signs
- Sudden fever and cough
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion (in severe cases)
Prevention
- Yearly flu vaccine, especially if you're at higher risk
- Childhood vaccines, including against pneumococcus
- Clean cooking fuels and frequent handwashing
Read more →
HIV / AIDS
About 64% of people living with HIV are in the WHO African Region, and the Caribbean also carries a significant burden. HIV can be managed with treatment, and people whose virus is suppressed do not pass it to their sexual partners.
Warning Signs
- Flu-like symptoms soon after infection
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Often no symptoms for years
Prevention
- Get tested regularly
- Condoms, and PrEP if you're at higher risk
- Start treatment as early as possible
Read more →
Severe Clinical Depression & Anxiety Disorders
Depression and anxiety are among the world's most common health conditions, yet only about 1 in 4 people with an anxiety disorder receives treatment. Stigma and a lack of trained providers are major barriers. Effective help exists.
Warning Signs
- Persistent sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Intense, excessive worry
- Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
Prevention
- Talk to someone you trust about how you feel
- Seek help from a healthcare provider early
- Regular exercise, sleep and routine
- Avoid alcohol and drugs as a way to cope
Read more →
Genetic & Blood Disorders
Sickle Cell Anemia (Sickle Cell Disease)
An inherited blood disorder most common in people with African and Caribbean ancestry. In Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo, 20 to 30% of people carry the sickle cell trait, and in the African Region most children with the most severe form die before age 5. Early diagnosis and regular care help.
Warning Signs
- Episodes of severe pain in bones, joints or chest
- Feeling weak and tired
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Frequent infections
Prevention
- Carrier testing and genetic counselling
- Newborn screening
- Stay hydrated
- Regular specialist care
Read more →
Multiple Myeloma
A blood cancer of plasma cells. Being Black is a known risk factor, and in the US Black people are diagnosed with and die from myeloma at about twice the rate of White people.
Warning Signs
- Bone pain in the back, hips or ribs
- Feeling very tired for no reason
- Frequent infections
- Feeling very thirsty and peeing more often
Prevention
- Get persistent bone pain checked
- Routine blood tests can show early signs
- Know your family history
Read more →
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
An autoimmune disease that mostly affects women, and is more common in women of African, Caribbean, Asian and Chinese heritage. Symptoms often come and go.
Warning Signs
- Joint and muscle pain
- Extreme tiredness that rest doesn't fix
- A rash across the nose and cheeks, often after sun
- Unexplained fever
Prevention
- See a doctor about ongoing joint pain, rashes or tiredness
- Sun protection
- Regular monitoring if diagnosed
Read more →
Sarcoidosis
An inflammatory disease that can affect the lungs, skin, eyes and other organs. Risk is higher in people of African descent, and it is more common in women.
Warning Signs
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Tender bumps on the skin
- Swollen glands or red, sore eyes
Prevention
- Get a persistent cough or breathlessness checked
- Regular monitoring if diagnosed
Read more →
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency
An inherited condition, common in parts of Africa, in which red blood cells can break down after certain infections, medicines (including some antimalarials) or eating fava beans. In the US it affects about 1 in 10 African American men.
Warning Signs
- Paleness and tiredness during an episode
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat
Prevention
- Know your G6PD status if you're at risk
- Avoid trigger medicines and fava beans
- Tell every healthcare provider about your diagnosis
Read more →
Other
Medical disclaimer: This information is for education and community awareness only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your health, and call emergency services if you think someone needs urgent help.