TB is leading cause of death in South Africa: stats

Mortality is dropping in South Africa, Statistics SA (StatsSA) says.

A total of 505,803 deaths were registered in the country in 2011, Statistician General Pali Lehohla said. Around 45,990 of those fatalities were from unnatural causes, including accidents, assaults, complications in medical and surgical operations, and suicides.

"The number of deaths between 2010 and 2011 decreased by 7.7%, while during 2009-2010 and 2008-2009, the number of deaths decreased by 5.6% and 2.6% respectively," said Lehohla,  speaking in Pretoria at the release of the organisation's statistics for mortality and causes of death for 2011.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death in South Africa, in both males and females, he said. The disease was responsible for 12%  of deaths among males, and 10%  in women, and the leading cause of death among 50- to 64-year-olds. Six percent died of TB and cerebrovascular diseases.

Influenza and pneumonia were also high on the list of leading causes of death. Youngsters from birth to 14 years old died mostly from intestinal infectious disease (14%), followed by influenza and pneumonia (10%), and respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (9%).

Seven percent of 15 to 49-year-olds died due to HIV. The same percentage died of influenza and pneumonia while 18% died of TB.

People aged 65 years and older died mostly of cerebrovascular diseases (18%), while 8% died of other forms of heart diseases, and 7% died of diabetes.

The report also revealed that at 15%, the occurrence of non-natural causes of death was highest in the 15- to 49-year-old age groups.

Sixty-one percent of all non-natural deaths stemmed from accidental injuries, 11 percent from assault, 14 percent from undetermined intent, and three percent from medical and surgical complications, which included pregnancy and birth complications.

Eleven percent of non-natural deaths occurred due to transport accidents, while 1% occurred due to suicide. Sapa