South Africa: 79 Deaths a Day - South Africa's Diabetes Crisis Needs a New Strategy
[The Conversation Africa] Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) recently released its report on deaths that occurred in 2024. The headline findings contain a sobering, recurring truth: diabetes was once again the country's leading underlying natural cause of death.
South Africa faces a severe diabetes crisis, with diabetes being the leading underlying cause of death for three consecutive years. In 2024 alone, 28,767 people died from diabetes-related complications, accounting for 6.1% of all deaths. This averages to nearly 79 deaths per day. The Department of Health must develop a national diabetes strategy with clear targets for prevention and care, while the Presidency should lead a whole-of-government response.
Noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular diseases, accounted for 60.7% of all recorded deaths in 2024, indicating the interconnected nature of these health issues. The ministry needs to address access to diagnosis, treatment, and quality care, as well as the impact of economic and social factors on health outcomes.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
