The life expectancy rates are lower in the sub-Saharan African region than in any other region of the world. Therefore, this presentation strives to draw attention to the determinants of mortality there. The goal is to extensively review the level and patterns of mortality in the area, to further explore the determining factors responsible for prevalence levels of mortality in the sub-Sharan African regions, and to explore the sub-Sahara region's prospect for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for Health.
Evidently, there are needs to be met and actions to be taken. While being exposed to the dangers of malaria, mental health and high infant mortality, striving for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals for Health in the region is non-negotiable.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Mortality Theories
3. Level and Patterns of Global Mortality
4. Level and Patterns of Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa
5. Determinants of Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa
6. Prospect for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for Health in sub-Saharan Africa
7. Conclusion
8. Areas of Further Research
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the mortality landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa by analyzing current trends, identifying key determinants, and evaluating the region's trajectory toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health. It addresses the systemic, environmental, and behavioral factors that shape health outcomes and presents a critical assessment of the progress required for future improvements.
- Analysis of mortality levels and patterns across sub-Saharan African sub-regions.
- Examination of the primary socio-economic and environmental determinants of mortality.
- Evaluation of regional prospects for achieving SDG 3 targets related to maternal and child health.
- Assessment of the burden posed by infectious diseases, road accidents, and non-communicable diseases.
- Identification of infrastructure and policy gaps hindering sustainable health development.
Excerpt from the Book
Level and Patterns of Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa
The life expectancy rates is lowest in SSA region than any other region of the world (WHO, 2016; 2015; PRB, 2016)
It increased from 42.4 in 1960 to 46.3 around 1980 and reached a peak of 49 years around 1990; then declined to 47.6 in year 2000 and declined further to 45.6 in 2005.
Currently it is put at 57 years for male and 59 years for female (PRB, 2016).
A breakdown of mortality incidence in the SSA region shows that the rates of mortality are highest in the Central African sub-region, with 11 deaths per 1000 population and the lowest in Eastern Africa region, with 7 deaths per 1000 population (see Table 1)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines mortality as a demographic component and outlines the study's scope regarding global health trends and policy interventions.
2. Mortality Theories: Introduces the Epidemiological Transition Theory and the Demographic Transition Theory as the analytical frameworks for the study.
3. Level and Patterns of Global Mortality: Summarizes worldwide declines in early childhood and maternal mortality while noting persistent global disparities.
4. Level and Patterns of Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: Details the specific challenges in life expectancy and maternal/infant mortality rates across different sub-regions of Africa.
5. Determinants of Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: Identifies primary drivers of mortality, including infectious diseases, poor healthcare infrastructure, and political instability.
6. Prospect for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for Health in sub-Saharan Africa: Critically evaluates the feasibility of meeting SDG 3 targets by 2030, highlighting existing systemic limitations.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity for proactive policy changes and multi-sectoral strategies to overcome the region's current health development hurdles.
8. Areas of Further Research: Suggests future inquiry into the resource constraints and epidemiological dynamics that necessitate more effective preventive healthcare.
Keywords
Mortality, Sub-Saharan Africa, Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 3, Life Expectancy, Maternal Mortality, Infant Mortality, Epidemiology, Public Health, Healthcare Infrastructure, Infectious Diseases, Demographic Transition, Global Health, Health Policy, Mortality Determinants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this seminar paper?
The paper examines the levels, patterns, and determinants of mortality within Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically assessing the region's capacity to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health by 2030.
Which theoretical frameworks are used in this study?
The study utilizes the Epidemiological Transition Theory and the Demographic Transition Theory to contextualize mortality changes over time.
What are the major causes of mortality discussed in the paper?
The paper highlights several key burdens, including malaria, maternal and childhood infections, road accidents, HIV/AIDS, and the impact of socio-political crises.
What is the core research goal?
The objective is to review mortality trends extensively, explore the factors behind current prevalence levels, and evaluate the prospects for achieving health-related SDG targets in the region.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author employs a comprehensive literature and data review, synthesizing reports from organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, and other demographic research bodies to evaluate regional health trends.
What primary areas of concern are identified regarding health policy?
The paper emphasizes the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, the integration of reproductive health services, and the management of both infectious diseases and non-communicable health conditions.
How has life expectancy in the region changed historically?
The paper notes that life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa saw fluctuations, rising from 42.4 in 1960 to a peak of 49 years around 1990, before experiencing declines in the early 2000s.
Why is achieving the SDG 3 targets considered difficult for the region?
Achieving these targets is threatened by systemic weaknesses, including inadequate healthcare funding, cultural norms, persistent poverty, and a lack of effective multi-sectoral responses.
What role does conflict play in mortality rates?
The paper identifies political, religious, and ethnic crises as significant determinants of mortality, noting the immense loss of life during various conflicts such as the Liberian and DRC civil wars.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the region's future?
The author concludes that while policy formulation is generally adequate, the region is currently falling short in implementation, and significant, unconventional efforts are required to meet 2030 targets.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Olatunji Bankole (Autor:in), 2017, Mortality Levels, Patterns and Determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa. Exploring the Region's Prospect for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for Health, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/370336
