AIDS, Malaria Offset Health Gains in Africa -- Report

A study published in the current issue of The Lancet found that, "worldwide, HIV/AIDS and malaria are large growing causes of death and disease burden, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where they have negated gains in reducing child mortality from measles, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea." The research, conducted by professor Alan Lopez of Australia's University of Queensland and colleagues, analyzed the impact of 136 diseases on the global population in 2001.

The researchers found heart disease and stroke were the leading causes of the 56 million deaths occurring worldwide in 2001, accounting for more than one-fifth. One-third were caused by nutritional deficiencies, infant, maternal, and communicable illnesses.

Nearly 20 percent of 2001 deaths occurred among children under five years old, with 99 percent occurring in poor countries and 40 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.

"More than half of child deaths in 2001 were from five preventable conditions: acute respiratory infections, measles, diarrhea, malaria, and HIV/AIDS," Lopez noted.

The study said adult deaths dropped in all world regions except Europe, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Heart disease, stroke, and injuries were the main cause of the rise in Europe and Central Asia; HIV/AIDS was a major factor in Africa.

"The striking reversal in adult mortality decline in Eastern Europe during the 1990s is a stark reminder that ... improvements can be reversed in the absence of sustained health monitoring and policies," Lopez said.

In poor and middle-income countries, other leading causes of death were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and road traffic accidents. In rich nations, Alzheimer's; diabetes; and colorectal, breast, and stomach cancers were among the biggest killers.

The study, "Global and Regional Burden of Disease and Risk Factors, 2001: Systematic Analysis of Population Health Data," appeared in The Lancet (2006;367(9524):1747-1757).

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