Nevertheless, we should not overlook geography. Thus, numerous diseases are uniquely threatening to humans in sub-Saharan Africa.
River blindness is just one example.
Science may eventually conquer these diseases, but the microbes' highly evolved nature are so far resistant to science's tried and true methods. This is not to say that sub-Saharan Africa can't be developed. It can be. Many civilizations developed in Africa prior to colonization. Many civilizing forces remain, although they are in retreat.