The category that identifies the "most persistent and widespread social problem" in east Africa is the "category of public health".
<u>Explanation:</u>
The east African countries of Eritrea, Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda and many others have been at the bottom of the charts in regard to overall public health and public health facilities.
Majority East African nations are poverty-stricken and lack the basic facilities of healthcare and hygiene.
According to the WHO, their operations are highly prioritized to address the issues that relate to public health in East African countries.