‘Rapidly increasing’ life expectancy but disease threatens progress

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Car accidents cause a significant number of deaths in SA.

“Life expectancy in South Africa is rapidly increasing, but that doesn’t mean we’re enjoying healthier lives” said Professor Charles Shey Wiysonge, Director of Cochrane South Africa and a co-author of the study in a statement.

“Communicable diseases like HIV, car accidents, and waves of violence are taking the lives of far too many South Africans, especially young people. South Africa is one of the few countries in the world where the number of healthy years that men and women can expect to live has fallen over the past 25 years,” he said.

The study, published in the medical journal the Lancet on Friday, is a peer-reviewed analysis of global data on causes of death, disease and risk factors to health loss and is in its 20^th edition. It is based on research from more than 130 countries involving the work of over 2500 collaborators.

Globally, 2016 was the first time in modern history where fewer than five million children under the age of five died in one year. In 1990, for example, 11 million died.

Triad of troubles

The study warns that the “triad of troubles” of obesity, conflict and mental illness, including substance use disorders, is threatening and preventing progress.

Excess body fat is associated with a range of health risks. A high body mass index (an indicator of obesity) is the fourth largest contributor to loss of healthy life, after high blood pressure, smoking and high blood sugar.

Furthermore, poor diet is associated with one in every five deaths in the world.

Said Wiysonge: “We have a lot of work to do.” – Health-e News.

An edited version of this story was also published in Health24