Review reveals increased life expectancy from antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa, indicating risks from non-communicable diseases are rising.
For many years our continent was ravaged by communicable diseases resulting in high rates of premature deaths. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria contributed significantly to high morbidity and premature mortality. This was particularly so in southern Africa. Today, sub-Saharan Africa is reversing the trend through improved access to antiretroviral therapy and better care and support, resulting in increased life expectancy. But with winning one battle, another is visible on the horizon; with increased longevity comes the increased likelihood of non-communicable diseases.
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Human Sciences Research Council (2025) studied this question.
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