A disturbing trend has emerged in the Eastern Region, where HIV/AIDS has been identified as one of the top ten causes of death in 2024.
This was contained in data released by the Eastern Regional Health Directorate.
The data, which provides a breakdown of the top causes of death in the region, reveals that HIV/AIDS is amongst the leading causes of mortality, accounting for a significant percentage of deaths.
This alarming trend is a cause for concern, highlighting the need for increased awareness, education, and intervention to combat the spread of the disease.
According to the data, the top ten causes of death in the Eastern Region in 2024 were:
1. Stroke, accounting for 274 deaths
2. Hypertension, resulting in 157 deaths
3. Heart failure, claiming 112 lives
4. Prematurity, responsible for 104 deaths
5. Pneumonia, accounting for 100 deaths
6. Heart failure, resulting in 75 deaths
7. Renal disease, claiming 72 lives
8. Neoplasm, responsible for 60 deaths
9. Kidney disease, accounting for 45 deaths
10. Chronic liver disease, resulting in 37 deaths
HIV/AIDS, although not explicitly listed as a separate category, is embedded within the top ten causes of death, highlighting its significant impact on mortality rates in the region.
The Eastern Regional Health Directorate’s data serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the region.
Increased awareness, education, and intervention are crucial to combat the spread of the disease and reduce mortality rates.
In response to these findings, health experts are calling for a multi-faceted approach to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Eastern Region.
This includes increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs, improved access to antiretroviral therapy, and enhanced awareness and education campaigns to promote prevention and early detection.
