HIV/AIDS and lifestyle diseases are the chief causes of death among South Africans, doctors and nurses continue to leave the country and health spending is not keeping pace with what is needed. All in all, we'€™re not looking too healthy.

More young adults, children under five, babies and women in childbirth are dying now than a few years back, both as a result of HIV/AIDS and the deterioration of health services In addition, chronic diseases associated with poor diet, smoking, excessive drinking and lack of exercise are on the increase.

Growth in spending on health personnel masks the abolition of 19 000 filled posts while spending levels on health care per person has declined since the mid-1990s.

South Africa'€™s northwestern neighbour has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. With 38 percent of its 1,7 million population infected with HIV, Botswana has shown determined leadership in providing free antiretroviral therapy to all its citizens who need it.