The Southern Africa area consists of many countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The health statistics in these areas vary greatly. Not to mention, the overall health of the entire region changed drastically. In fact, some of the most recent statistics may shock some.
General Statistics
The population of South Africa consisted of more than 56,000,000 as of 2016. The gross income was $12,240 in the same year. Most in this area lived 60 years or longer. Males tended to live about 60 years while females lived about 67 years. The probability of living less than that for males was 359/1000. For females, 246/1000 lived less than 60 years. The statistics indicated the number of children living to five years or less is only 37/1,000.
Pregnancy Planning
For some, the prevalance of erectile dysfunction affects the statistics related to unplanned pregnancies. On average though, a woman has 2.6 children. Only 71 births of 1,000 were from teenage mothers as of 2016, but this statistic is similar to the 1998 survey. Women in South Africa are using modern contraceptives to this day, but the number decreased since 1998. In fact, the 2016 survey revealed 28.3 percent of women used a modern contraceptive in 2016. However, only 18 percent of women didn’t have a family planning method in place. The statistics indicated male condom use has increased. It’s used by 15 percent of women.
Vaccinations
The area has more access to vaccines than before, and advocacy groups are educating on the importance of vaccines more frequently. Therefore, over the course of the past two decades, the number of reported cases of disease has diminished. For example, in 2000, there were 1,459 cases of measles. In 2017, there were only 210 cases. In 2014, statistics showed 230 people had mumps while only 102 cases were reported in 2017. Pertussis affected 230 individuals in 2014, but in 2017, only 102 cases were reported. The cases of neonatal tetanus decreased as well. In 1980, 166 cases were documented. However, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported only two cases. The number of cases of tetanus in general reduced as well. In 1980, statistics indicated 280 individuals were affected. On the contrary, only two were reported in 2014.
