‘Worrying pattern’ of early deaths in South Africa
South Africa is facing a growing health crisis, with an increasing number of young people dying prematurely.
A report by the Medical Research Council (MRC) has highlighted a worrying pattern of early deaths in the country, with a significant proportion of those dying being under the age of 35.
The MRC report found that between 2012 and 2019, there were over 240,000 deaths among people under the age of 35, with the majority of these deaths being among young men.
The report also found that the leading causes of death among young people in South Africa were road traffic accidents, homicide, and HIV/AIDS.
"The data paints a worrying picture of a country where too many young people are dying prematurely," said Dr. Olive Shisana, the chairperson of the MRC.
The report's findings have been met with alarm by health experts and policymakers, who are calling for urgent action to address the root causes of these deaths.
"This is a wake-up call for all of us," said Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of Health. "We need to take immediate action to address the underlying causes of these deaths and to provide support to families who have lost loved ones."
Author's note: This growing health crisis in South Africa underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the social and economic determinants of health, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to quality healthcare.
- Over 240,000 deaths among people under the age of 35 between 2012 and 2019.
- Majority of these deaths were among young men.
- Leading causes of death among young people: road traffic accidents, homicide, and HIV/AIDS.