Diabetes mellitus topped the causes of death in South Africa for a third consecutive year in 2024, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). It accounted for 6.1% of deaths, while hypertensive diseases followed at 5.5%. The findings come from Stats SA’s latest report, “Mortality and causes of death in South Africa: findings from death notification”. It draws on civil…
Tag: Hypertension
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Cardiovascular Disease Kills 225 South Africans a Day — Most Before 65
Cardiovascular disease claims about 225 South Africans every day through heart attacks and strokes, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. Together, the two account for almost one in six deaths. More than half strike before age 65 – often felling breadwinners, parents and caregivers in midlife. This World Heart Day, on 29 September, researchers point to one…
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SA Mortality Report Highlights Non-Communicable Diseases
The recently released SA Mortality Report highlights that South Africa recorded 476,751 deaths in 2023, down from 492,417 in 2022. The drop continues a steady recovery from the Covid-era shock. In 2021, deaths surged to 623,135 during the pandemic peak. The figures come from Statistics South Africa’s Mortality and Causes of Death report. The data is drawn from the civil…
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Home-Based Hypertension Care Shows Dramatic Results
High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” is a significant public health crisis in South Africa. Implementing home-based hypertension care could be a crucial step in managing this issue. The 2023 Global Burden of Disease report ranked hypertension as the fifth-highest risk factor driving death and disability in the country. This is because it is a major contributor to…
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Childhood Obesity: Addressing Lifestyle Diseases Early
**Focus Keywords:** Childhood obesity South Africa, child health, lifestyle diseases, hypertension in children, SAMRC study, healthy eating for kids A devastating childhood obesity crisis is leading to children, some as young as five, developing severe lifestyle-related diseases. These are typically found in middle-aged adults, a new study from South Africa has revealed. Poor eating habits and a lack of physical…
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Uncontrolled Hypertension Plagues Millions in SA
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has emerged as a significant public health crisis in South Africa. It silently affects millions and places immense strain on the nation’s healthcare system. With over 8.2 million individuals reported to be living with the condition, the prevalence rate is staggering. It is around 45% among men and 48% among women over the age of…
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SA’s HIV success story creates new challenges
South Africa’s groundbreaking success in providing antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) to millions has transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition. Many benefit from this. SA’s HIV success story is evident, with roughly 6 million people now on ARVs in the public sector since the 2004 scale-up. This allows people living with HIV to live longer, healthier lives,…