Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Diseases in Southern Africa - Statistics & Facts
Southern Africa faces significant health challenges, with a high prevalence of diseases. Moreover, the mortality rates in the region correlate with the relatively low life expectancies, which are well below the African average. Lesotho stands out with the highest death rate and the lowest life expectancy, which is likely due to a combination of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as adverse social and economic conditions. Additionally, child mortality remains a pressing concern, particularly in Mozambique, where the under-five mortality rate reaches close to 62 deaths per thousand live births. The country’s lack of healthcare specialists, malnutrition, and an underfunded public healthcare system are some of the factors that contribute to the high death rate of children. Factors such as these also underscore the importance of continued efforts to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases to sustain and improve life expectancy.
