Angola's Highest Death Rate: Causes And Solutions

Angola is a country in Southern Africa with a history marked by violence and political unrest, including a civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. Despite having abundant natural resources, most of Angola's population experiences a low standard of living. The country has one of the worst life expectancy rates in the world, with an average life expectancy of 50.9 years for men and 54 years for women as of 2014. The country's adult mortality rate is approximately 11.49 per thousand, while its infant mortality rate is significantly higher at 38.78 per thousand births. Diarrhoeal disease is the leading cause of death in Angola, followed by other health issues such as lower respiratory infections, malaria, malnutrition, AIDS, meningitis, and ischemic heart disease.

Crude death rate: 7.9 per 1,000 people in 2022

Angola's death rate in 2022 was 7.9 per 1,000 people, a notable decrease from 1973 when the death rate was recorded at 23 per 1,000 people. This statistic is known as the crude death rate, which represents the annual number of deaths in a given population, expressed per 1,000 people.

The crude death rate is a valuable metric for understanding the general health status of a geographic area or population. It is calculated by dividing the number of deaths in a given period, typically a year, by the population at risk of death during that period. In this case, Angola's crude death rate of 7.9 per 1,000 people implies that for every 1,000 people in the population, 7.9 people would be expected to die within a year.

While the crude death rate is a useful indicator, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. This rate is not suitable for comparing different populations or areas with significant variations in age distributions. For instance, some developed countries might exhibit higher crude death rates despite having higher life expectancies because they have a larger proportion of older individuals due to lower birth rates and lower age-specific mortality rates.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the availability and accuracy of data can vary between different countries and regions. In many developing nations, vital registration systems for births and deaths may be absent or incomplete, leading to potential inaccuracies in the crude death rate calculations.

By understanding the crude death rate and its nuances, we can gain insights into the health and demographic characteristics of a population. This information is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and develop strategies to improve population health and well-being.

Diarrhoeal disease: the leading cause of death

Diarrhoeal disease is a leading cause of death in Angola. In 1990, the Republic of Angola had the highest prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases in the region, with 342.06 deaths per 100,000 people. By 2019, this figure had decreased to 71.37 deaths per 100,000, a reduction of 79.14%. Despite this improvement, Angola still has a high death rate from diarrhoeal diseases, which are preventable and treatable.

Diarrhoeal diseases are caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms, most commonly spread by contaminated water. In Angola, the most common cause of diarrhoeal disease is rotavirus, with a high detection rate of 35% observed in a 2012-2013 study. Other pathogens include Escherichia coli, cryptosporidium, and shigella species. These diseases are more common when there is inadequate sanitation and hygiene, and when drinking water is unsafe. In 2012, only 16% of households in Angola had access to adequate sanitation, compared to an average of 44% in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

Unsafe water sources and child malnutrition are the main contributors to deaths from diarrhoeal diseases. In Angola, 43% of children under five years old suffer from chronic malnutrition, which increases their risk of dying from diarrhoeal disease. Overall, children under five are the most vulnerable to diarrhoeal diseases, with around 25% of deaths in Africa occurring in this age group.

To reduce the prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases, Angola should focus on improving access to safe drinking water, promoting adequate sanitation and hygiene practices, and addressing malnutrition in children.

High infant mortality rate: 38.78 per 1,000 births

Angola has a high infant mortality rate, with 38.78 deaths per 1,000 live births. This means that out of every 1,000 infants born in Angola, 38.78 do not survive past their first year of life. This is a significant issue for the country and indicates that many infants are not receiving the necessary care and support to survive.

There are several factors that can contribute to a high infant mortality rate. One of the main factors is the lack of access to quality healthcare. Many families in Angola may not have access to basic medical services, which can make it difficult to treat illnesses or health complications in infants. Additionally, poverty and malnutrition can also play a role, as they can lead to infants being born with low birth weight or having weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases.

The high infant mortality rate in Angola also highlights inequalities in access to healthcare. Infants born to wealthier families may have better access to medical resources and treatment options, while those from lower-income households may face barriers to getting the care they need. This can contribute to disparities in health outcomes between different socioeconomic groups.

To address the high infant mortality rate, Angola needs to improve access to healthcare for all infants, regardless of their family's economic status. This may include investing in more medical facilities and staff, as well as providing financial support to families to ensure they can afford necessary treatments. Additionally, promoting education and awareness about infant health and nutrition can empower parents and caregivers to make informed decisions that support the health and well-being of their children.

It's important to recognize that the high infant mortality rate in Angola is not an isolated issue. It is often intertwined with other social and economic challenges faced by the country. By addressing these broader issues and working to improve overall living conditions, Angola can make significant strides in reducing infant mortality and improving the health and well-being of its youngest citizens.

Poor healthcare access and low life expectancy

Angola's healthcare system is inadequate to meet the needs of its population. The system has not kept up with the country's population growth, the evolution of medicine and public health, technological advancements, or research and development. The system is facing a shortage of medical professionals and skilled practitioners, with an insufficient number of trained nurses and technical staff. The few physicians available are limited in their capacity to reach the population, and medical societies have limited financial resources to assist in capacity building.

The quality of healthcare in Angola is poor, and the system is difficult to access. Public hospitals serve almost 60% of the population, and while access is free of charge, the quality of care is not perceived as good. Private clinics, on the other hand, are expensive. As a result, middle-to-upper-income families travel abroad for complex medical interventions, and both locals and expatriates often opt for private healthcare. However, private healthcare insurance can be costly and may only be accessible to those with employee benefit and compensation plans.

The healthcare infrastructure in Angola is outdated and in need of replacement. The best hospitals and clinics are concentrated in the capital city of Luanda, while other provinces and cities lack modern facilities. Citizens in rural areas have to travel significant distances to receive basic healthcare. The rural network requires significant expansion, as remote geographical areas are not covered by roads, effectively excluding people from accessing basic public services.

The country's location and climate also contribute to the prevalence of tropical diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, further impacting the health and life expectancy of the population.

The social effects of the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002) have also played a significant role in the state of healthcare in the country. The war disrupted the education of an entire generation of Angolans, resulting in a shortage of educated medical personnel, administrators, and other critical positions in the governmental system. The war also destroyed healthcare facilities, equipment, and medical supplies, which were already scarce.

As a result of these factors, Angola's life expectancy at birth is low. According to a 2014 CIA estimate, the average life expectancy in Angola was 51 years.

HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria infections

Angola's death rate has been decreasing over the years, falling gradually from 23 per 1,000 people in 1973 to 7.9 per 1,000 people in 2022. Despite this overall downward trend, the country continues to face challenges in the form of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria infections, which have had a significant impact on the population.

Angola has been working to address the HIV epidemic, and while its prevalence is lower than in many neighbouring countries, there is still work to be done. AIDS-related deaths increased by 33% between 2010 and 2018, and new infections are on the rise, particularly among young women. This highlights the ongoing need for effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures. To tackle this issue, the Angolan government, in collaboration with organisations like Management Sciences for Health (MSH), has implemented initiatives to scale up early diagnosis and treatment. MSH's sustainable continuum of care model, for instance, has helped improve the quality of HIV and AIDS services, leading to increased testing, diagnosis, and treatment enrolment.

Tuberculosis (TB) is another concern in Angola, often occurring as a co-infection with HIV. Case managers overseeing HIV patients are responsible for ensuring the provision of TB services, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these health challenges. The integration of TB and HIV services is crucial in providing comprehensive care and improving health outcomes for those affected by one or both of these infections.

Malaria is also prevalent in Angola, and efforts to control it have been made through initiatives such as the Health For All program. Implemented by Population Services International (PSI) in partnership with MSH and local organisations, the program brought malaria interventions and other health services to select municipalities and provinces across the country, targeting the most vulnerable citizens. By combining malaria control with initiatives for HIV/AIDS and family planning, the program aimed to address multiple health challenges simultaneously.

Overall, Angola has made strides in addressing HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria infections, but these conditions continue to contribute significantly to the country's death rate. Sustained commitment to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, along with community engagement and collaboration across health facilities, will be key to further reducing the impact of these infectious diseases on Angola's population.

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