HIV was the third-biggest cause of death in South Africa last year, up from sixth position in 2012, as reporting of the virus’ prevalence improves, Statistics South Africa said.
HIV was responsible for 5.2% of the 458 933 deaths reported in South Africa last year, up from 3.9% in 2012, the Pretoria-based statistics office said in a report released today. Tuberculosis and influenza and pneumonia, which are opportunistic infections often caused by HIV, were the two biggest killers, according to the data.