Africa’s L — Life Expectancy

During the past 20 years, infant mortality in Africa dropped from 116 to 91 per 1,000 live births — and the mortality rate of children under five years of age decreased from 187 to 162 per 1,000.

However, adult mortality soared, largely because of AIDS. Consequently, only 46% of African women and 40% of men reach the age of 65. That is the lowest proportion in the world.

Life expectancy at birth has declined from 48 years in 1980 to 46 in 2002 — not only the shortest life-span of any region, but th eonly one showing decline.

This deplorable situation is not only a result of poverty. What worsens the situation is also weak management on the part of many African states.

In particular, government health officials across Africa, for a variety of reasons, tend to neglect the poorest segments of the population.