A widely awaited national mortality study released today shows South Africa had a 57 percent jump in reported deaths between 1997 and 2002, providing a startling -- although indirect -- picture of the toll of the country's AIDS epidemic. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported deaths increased from 318,287 in 1997 to 499,268 in 2002.

According to the Stats SA report, deaths increased most rapidly among women and people ages 20-49 -- the groups most affected by HIV/AIDS. The study "provides indirect evidence that the HIV epidemic in South Africa is raising the mortality levels of prime aged adults," Stats SA chief Pali Lehohla said in a statement.

The exact causes of death are difficult to ascertain. In many cases, AIDS-related diseases such as TB, influenza or pneumonia were officially listed as the cause of death, said officials.

While South Africa's AIDS epidemic is likely an important factor in the rising death rate, some of the increase might also be attributed to a growing overall population and improved data on mortalities, Stats SA officials cautioned.

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