Rate of HIV and Malaria Deaths Increasing Globally

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Countries around the globe made great strides in health improvements during the 1990s except in the area of HIV, AIDS and malaria say researchers from the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, Australia.

Their analysis of mortality and the incidence and prevalence of 136 diseases and injuries across the globe between 1990 and 2001 showed a 20-percent drop in the diseases overall but a jump in the rate of HIV/AIDS deaths from 2 percent to 14 percent. Malaria deaths also climbed.

"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 in Africa from measles, acute respiratory infections and diarrhea," reports lead study author Alan Lopez.

The research also revealed a significant decline in communicable illnesses in third world countries, though experts note malnutrition remains a leading risk factor for disease.

Lopez and his colleagues also noted a decline since 1990 in the overall health of Eastern Europe.

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

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SOURCE: The Lancet, 2006;367:1747-57