South Africa is a country that faces a quadruple burden of disease resulting from communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and TB; maternal and child mortality; NCDs such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, mental illnesses, and chronic lung diseases like asthma; as well as injury and trauma.

The following are some of the most prominent modern bacteria, viruses, illnesses, and health risks that affect adolescents and children in South Africa:

COVID-19: A respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. As of June 6, 2021, South Africa reported 2,302,304 cases, with 3,881.9 cases per 100,000 people and a death rate of 113.1 per 100,000. Follow WHO and government guidelines to stay safe.

HIV/AIDS: A significant concern in South Africa, which has the highest number of cases globally. As of 2020, 7.7 million people in the country were living with HIV, with adolescents and children being especially vulnerable. Regular testing is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.

Tuberculosis (TB): A lung infection, and South Africa has a high burden, with around 301,000 new cases in 2020. Adolescents and children are more at risk, so regular testing is vital to stop the disease from spreading.

Malaria: A disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is common in South Africa. In 2019, about 4.6 million cases were reported. Adolescents and children are more susceptible, so it’s crucial to use preventive measures like mosquito nets and repellents.

Diarrheal diseases: A big problem for kids in South Africa, causing a significant number of illnesses and deaths. The World Health Organization says 5% of deaths in children under five are due to these diseases. To prevent them, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene and sanitation.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): A big health issue in South Africa, with one of the highest rates globally, especially among adolescents and children. To stay safe, it’s crucial to practice safe sex and get tested regularly.

Childhood obesity: A rising issue in South Africa: In 2019, 13.4% of children under five were overweight or obese, says the World Health Organization. Childhood obesity can cause health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Regular doctor visits are crucial to avoid health risks. Check-ups help catch issues early for easier treatment, and doctors provide advice on preventing problems and living healthily.

Conclusion
South Africa faces various health risks affecting adolescents and children. It is essential to be aware of these risks and take preventive measures to avoid being a victim of any of these dangers. Regular doctor visits help catch issues early and promote a healthy lifestyle.

References:

South Africa – World Health Organization – https://www.afro.who.int/countries/south-africa

South Africa Major infectious diseases – Demographics – IndexMundi – indexmundi.com

South Africa – World Health Organization (WHO) – who.int

TOP 11 CHRONIC DISEASES IN SOUTH AFRICA – Affinity Health – affinityhealth.co.za

CDC in South Africa | Global Health | CDC –https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/countries/southafrica/default.htm