Youth Mortality Due to HIV/AIDS in South Africa, 2006- 2009: an Analysis of the Levels of Mortality Using Life Table Techniques

Nicole De Wet, University of the Witwatersrand
Somefun Oluwaseyi, University of the Witwatersrand

South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. It is estimated that 5.38 million South Africans are living with HIV/AIDS (Statssa 2011). This paper examines South Africa’s mortality due to HIV/AIDS among the youth (15- 34 years old). This age- group is of fundamental importance to the economic and social development of the country. Data from the national registry of deaths from 2006- 2009 is used. Results show that youth mortality has remained consistently higher among older youths (30- 34 years) compared to younger ones (15-29). By sex, mortality due to HIV/AIDS is consistently higher among females than males. CSMR and PMRs also reflect the increased mortality of older youth and females within the population. Probability of dying from HIV/AIDS shows that over the period, fluctuations in likelihood of mortality have occurred, but for both males and females the chances of dying from this cause have increased in 2009.