6. Issues facing Africa Today Independence brought freedom but it also ushered in a new era of tribulations. One of the biggest issues facing Africa today is famine. Large portions of Africa are dealing with droughts that cause mass starvation. The population of Africa grows at a faster rate than many countries can industrialize, therefore leaving many countries unable to feed all of their people. In Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Sudan starvation is common place.
8. Disease HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in Africa. Populations growth has been slow in sub-Saharan Africa because of AIDS and Malaria. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome No known cure for the disease, the rate of infection is due largely to poverty and poor education. Education and prevention is the only way to stop the spread of this disease! Malaria is a tropical disease spreading throughout the region carried by mosquitoes. Each year more than 1 million die from malaria. Children in Sub-Saharan Africa are most at risk. For instance malaria is the leading cause of death in children under five in Uganda. Insecticides and mosquito nets can drastically lower the number of infections.