Africa: Unsafe Food Causes 866 Million Illnesses and 1.5 Million Deaths Annually, Young Children At Highest Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that unsafe food causes about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually worldwide. Children under five, though only 9% of the global population, suffer nearly one-third of all foodborne diseases, primarily deadly diarrheal illnesses. Chemical hazards such as methylmercury and lead in food can also harm children's brain development. The greatest burden is in Africa and South-East Asia, and productivity losses from these diseases are estimated between US$310 billion and US$647 billion.