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IS NOT OVER.

Zero suicide. Zero needless suffering. Zero poverty.
Every country still has work to do.

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Next death · average-rate clock53.96seconds remaining in this repeating cycle

One death every 53.96 seconds on average.

EVERY LIFE COUNTSAverage-rate illustration
Not a live report

Next suicide · average-rate clock54:24.34minutes:seconds remaining in this repeating cycle

One death every 3,264.33 seconds on average.

EVERY LIFE COUNTSAverage-rate illustration
Not a live report

Published average intervals; enable JavaScript for repeating countdowns.

South Africa · WHO 2023 · 1/1 countries. Annual totals ÷ seconds in the source year set the rate. These are illustrative averages, not real-time death reports or predictions. The death clock includes all causes, including deaths that cannot currently be prevented. Sources & calculation ↗

Sub-Saharan Africa · UN member

South AfricaZAFA healthier future.

South Africa’s health dashboard connects the latest available evidence with a shared horizon: zero suicide, zero needless suffering, zero poverty, and longer healthy lives.

North-star health score · v20.5 / 100

11/12 core measures · 2021–2024

Life expectancy66.3

Years · 2024

Healthy life expectancy56.2

Years · 2023

Indicator coverage52 / 52

Dated numerical series · 0 source-context notes.

Inspect South Africa’s score components

Version 2 is a deliberately demanding editorial measure of distance to the north stars, not an official WHO/UN index or the percentage of people who are healthy. Strong services cannot cancel out ongoing suicide, health loss, or extreme poverty. At least 9 of 12 core measures and all three recent zero-harm inputs are required. Missing inputs suppress the final score, rather than implying success. Health loss is a proxy broader than avoidable suffering; the $3.00/day measure covers extreme poverty, not every form of deprivation. Lower scores under this new method are a recalibration, not evidence of deterioration.

Measure	Year	Value	Foundation component score
Life expectancy	2024	66.3	40.8
Under-five mortality	2024	35.1	64.9
Maternal mortality	2023	118	76.4
Suicide mortality	2021	22.3	10.8
Premature chronic-disease mortality	2021	22.7	35.1
Tuberculosis incidence	2024	389	22.2
Essential health-service coverage	2023	74	74
DTP immunization	2024	74	74
Safely managed drinking water	2024	68	68
Safely managed sanitation	2024	73.8	73.8
Fine-particle air pollution	2023	27.7	58.7

Zero suicide

15.28 deaths per 100,000 people · 2023

Score multiplier ×0.247

Zero needless suffering

0.49 DALYs per person; health-loss proxy · 2023

Score multiplier ×0.169

Zero poverty

17.4 % below $3.00/day (2021 PPP); extreme-poverty proxy · 2022

Score multiplier ×0.223

A deliberately demanding measure of distance to the goals. Version 2 changes the method, not the underlying observations. Health loss is not all needless suffering; the poverty input measures extreme poverty. See the formula and limits ↗

Explore 52 indicators ↓The action agenda ↗

The human stakes

More life.
Less suffering.

Choose a reduction in the measured annual burden. This is a transparent scenario, not a forecast that completing a checklist will deliver it.

Illustrative reduction 25%

0%50%100% theoretical ceiling

Annual deaths avoided146.1K

Of 584.4K deaths in the covered population.

Years of life restored5.7M

Years lost to premature mortality (YLL).

Health loss diminished2M

Disability-weighted years (YLD), a health-loss measure.

Healthy life-years reclaimed7.7M

YLL + YLD = DALYs. 96.9K equivalent 80-year healthy lifetimes.

South Africa · 2023

WHO modeled all-cause estimates; same release and reference year. These four measures overlap and must not be added. DALYs quantify health loss, not every form of suffering. An equivalent lifetime is a unit conversion, not a person saved. All-cause deaths include deaths that cannot currently be prevented; 100% is an arithmetic ceiling.

See the calculation and its limits ↗

South Africa · the evidence

The trends.
The north stars.

Mint traces measured observations. Gold marks numerical goals. Lines connect available observations, which can be years apart. Non-numerical goals are explained in each card. Historical figures, model caveats and source-backed status notes stay visible. A gap is an invitation to improve measurement.

Find an indicator

52 indicators

outcomes2024

Life expectancy

66.3 years

North star

90 years of life, with health and dignity

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Expected lifespan at birth under the year’s mortality patterns.

Source, limitations & data

Period measure, not a prediction for an individual. National averages conceal inequalities.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.DYN.LE00.IN ↗

Life expectancy observations for South Africa
Year	years
2024	66.3
2023	66.1
2022	65.5
2021	62
2020	65.2
2019	66.1
2018	65.7
2017	65.4
2016	64.7
2015	64.1
2014	63.2
2013	62.4
2012	61.7
2011	60.6
2010	58.9
2009	57.4
2008	56
2007	54.9
2006	54.2
2005	53.9
2004	54
2003	54.2
2002	55.6
2001	57.2
2000	58.4

burden2023

Healthy life expectancy

56.2 years

North star

80 years lived in full health

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Expected years lived in full health at birth under current mortality and morbidity patterns.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled HALE estimates incorporate severity weights. This is not a measure of happiness or all suffering.

World Health Organization · WHOSIS_000002 ↗

Healthy life expectancy observations for South Africa
Year	years
2023	56.2
2022	56.3
2021	53.1
2020	55.7
2019	56.4
2018	56
2017	55.2
2016	54.9
2015	54.7
2014	54.6
2013	53.9
2012	52.6
2011	51.6
2010	50.4
2009	49.1
2008	48.1
2007	47.1
2006	46.7
2005	46.5
2004	46.7
2003	47
2002	48.2
2001	49.5
2000	50.7

outcomes2024

Under-five mortality

35.1 per 1,000 live births

North star

Zero preventable child deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

SDG 2030: at most 25 per 1,000 · Interim target ↗

Probability of dying before age five, per 1,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled UN inter-agency estimate. Infant and neonatal deaths are included; never add these counts.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.DYN.MORT ↗

Under-five mortality observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 live births
2024	35.1
2023	34.8
2022	34.3
2021	34
2020	33.9
2019	34.3
2018	34.9
2017	35.7
2016	36.8
2015	38.2
2014	39.7
2013	41.4
2012	43.1
2011	45.6
2010	50.3
2009	56.9
2008	63.7
2007	71.2
2006	76.9
2005	79.8
2004	80.7
2003	79.2
2002	77
2001	74.5
2000	71.4

outcomes2024

Infant mortality

24.2 per 1,000 live births

North star

Zero preventable infant deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Probability of dying before age one, per 1,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

A subset of under-five mortality; not additive with child or neonatal deaths.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.DYN.IMRT.IN ↗

Infant mortality observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 live births
2024	24.2
2023	24.3
2022	24.3
2021	24.3
2020	24.5
2019	25.1
2018	25.8
2017	26.8
2016	28
2015	29.3
2014	30.7
2013	32.1
2012	33.3
2011	34.5
2010	36
2009	38.2
2008	41
2007	44
2006	46
2005	47.7
2004	48.7
2003	48.3
2002	47.6
2001	47.2
2000	46.5

outcomes2024

Neonatal mortality

12.4 per 1,000 live births

North star

Zero preventable newborn deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

SDG 2030: at most 12 per 1,000 · Interim target ↗

Deaths in the first 28 days of life per 1,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

A subset of infant and under-five mortality; these are overlapping categories.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.DYN.NMRT ↗

Neonatal mortality observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 live births
2024	12.4
2023	12.2
2022	12
2021	11.7
2020	11.6
2019	11.5
2018	11.4
2017	11.5
2016	11.6
2015	11.7
2014	11.7
2013	11.9
2012	12.1
2011	12.5
2010	13
2009	13.3
2008	13.4
2007	13.3
2006	13.1
2005	12.8
2004	12.6
2003	12.6
2002	12.7
2001	13
2000	13.5

outcomes2023

Maternal mortality

118 per 100,000 live births

North star

Zero preventable maternal deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

SDG 2030 global ratio: below 70 · Interim target ↗

Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled estimate with uncertainty. The denominator is births, not total population.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.MMRT ↗

Maternal mortality observations for South Africa
Year	per 100,000 live births
2023	118
2022	129
2021	191
2020	118
2019	119
2018	128
2017	134
2016	141
2015	150
2014	162
2013	180
2012	194
2011	202
2010	226
2009	241
2008	272
2007	272
2006	283
2005	279
2004	259
2003	245
2002	225
2001	192
2000	175

outcomes2021

Suicide mortality

22.3 per 100,000 people

North star

Zero suicide deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

WHO modeled crude rate, not age-standardized. Reporting and classification differ; lower reported rates can reflect undercounting.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.SUIC.P5 ↗

Suicide mortality observations for South Africa
Year	per 100,000 people
2021	22.3
2020	21.1
2019	20.1
2018	19.2
2017	18.2
2016	19.6
2015	20.7
2014	20.1
2013	18.7
2012	18.2
2011	17.3
2010	18.8
2009	16.4
2008	16.8
2007	16
2006	16.1
2005	15.6
2004	16.1
2003	15.8
2002	14.6
2001	13.3
2000	13.1

outcomes2019

Road-traffic mortality

22.2 per 100,000 people

North star

Zero deaths and serious injuries on the roads

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated annual deaths from road-traffic injuries per 100,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

Population-based WHO rate, not deaths per distance travelled.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.TRAF.P5 ↗

Road-traffic mortality observations for South Africa
Year	per 100,000 people
2019	22.2
2018	22.7
2017	23.2
2016	25.8
2015	24.1
2014	24
2013	22.8
2012	26.5
2011	27.8
2010	28.6
2009	28.6
2008	29.5
2007	32.4
2006	41.1
2005	38.1
2004	41.3
2003	43.4
2002	39.9
2001	38.3
2000	44

outcomes2022

Intentional homicide

43.7 per 100,000 people

North star

Zero intentional homicides

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 people.

Source, limitations & data

UNODC-based estimates. Reporting and conflict-death definitions vary.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · VC.IHR.PSRC.P5 ↗

Intentional homicide observations for South Africa
Year	per 100,000 people
2022	43.7
2021	40.9
2020	33
2019	35.8
2018	35.9
2017	35.3
2016	33.2
2015	32.9
2014	32
2013	31.1
2012	30.1
2011	29.3
2010	30.4
2009	32.4
2008	35.4
2007	36.4
2006	38.2
2005	37.4
2004	38.4
2003	40.9
2002	44.9
2001	45
2000	46.1

outcomes2021

Premature chronic-disease mortality

22.7 % probability ages 30–70

North star

End avoidable premature deaths from major chronic diseases

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Probability of dying between ages 30 and 70 from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.

Source, limitations & data

Not a death rate or all chronic diseases. Cannot multiply by population to produce annual deaths.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.DYN.NCOM.ZS ↗

Premature chronic-disease mortality observations for South Africa
Year	% probability ages 30–70
2021	22.7
2020	23.1
2019	21.6
2018	22.6
2017	23
2016	24.1
2015	24.6
2014	24.5
2013	24.2
2012	24.7
2011	24.9
2010	26.2
2009	24.9
2008	25.3
2007	24.9
2006	24.9
2005	23.3
2004	23.4
2003	23.3
2002	22.5
2001	21.2
2000	21.6

burden2023

Healthy life-years lost

30,994,302 healthy life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

DALYs combine years lost to premature mortality and severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss.

Source, limitations & data

DALY = YLL + YLD. A burden baseline, not proof that all loss can be avoided; not an estimate of all human suffering.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Healthy life-years lost observations for South Africa
Year	healthy life-years
2023	30,994,302
2022	30,115,445
2021	35,604,651
2020	29,830,659
2019	28,696,514
2015	29,534,347
2010	34,275,220
2000	29,115,641

burden2023

Life-years lost to premature death

22,855,978 life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO years of life lost (YLL) relative to its reference life table.

Source, limitations & data

Different from number of people dying; one death can account for many life-years.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Life-years lost to premature death observations for South Africa
Year	life-years
2023	22,855,978
2022	21,981,281
2021	27,519,481
2020	22,147,779
2019	21,553,799
2015	22,910,653
2010	28,167,388
2000	24,005,538

burden2023

Years of nonfatal health loss

8,138,325 healthy life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Severity-weighted years lived with disease or disability (YLD), adjusted for comorbidity by the source.

Source, limitations & data

A health-loss proxy, not a valuation of people with disabilities or a direct measure of distress, poverty, or all suffering.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Years of nonfatal health loss observations for South Africa
Year	healthy life-years
2023	8,138,325
2022	8,134,164
2021	8,085,169
2020	7,682,881
2019	7,142,714
2015	6,623,694
2010	6,107,833
2000	5,110,102

outcomes2023

All-cause deaths

584,436 deaths

North star

Prevent avoidable deaths and extend healthy life

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

WHO estimated all-cause deaths in the reference year.

Source, limitations & data

Deaths are a baseline; no programme can be assumed to eliminate all mortality.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

All-cause deaths observations for South Africa
Year	deaths
2023	584,436
2022	584,237
2021	739,716
2020	572,416
2019	534,223
2015	540,810
2010	612,617
2000	482,267

outcomes2023

Suicide deaths

9,661 deaths

North star

Zero suicide deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO estimated deaths from intentional self-harm, both sexes and all ages.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled cause-specific estimate; reporting and classification can undercount suicide. Included in all-cause deaths; never add it again.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Suicide deaths observations for South Africa
Year	deaths
2023	9,661
2022	9,381
2021	9,330
2020	8,993
2019	9,396
2015	9,034
2010	8,170
2000	6,467

burden2023

Depressive-disorder health loss

426,350 healthy life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from depressive disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD, not case counts or direct distress. Included in total YLD; do not add to the all-cause total.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Depressive-disorder health loss observations for South Africa
Year	healthy life-years
2023	426,350
2022	414,809
2021	419,237
2020	402,884
2019	315,341
2015	295,511
2010	267,445
2000	226,304

burden2023

Anxiety-disorder health loss

495,282 healthy life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from anxiety disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD, not case counts. Included in total YLD; do not add to the all-cause total.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Anxiety-disorder health loss observations for South Africa
Year	healthy life-years
2023	495,282
2022	403,171
2021	389,739
2020	370,269
2019	283,387
2015	249,881
2010	225,537
2000	205,600

burden2023

Alcohol-disorder health loss

111,572 healthy life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from alcohol use disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD. Alcohol-related injuries and other disease burdens sit in other categories; included in total YLD.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Alcohol-disorder health loss observations for South Africa
Year	healthy life-years
2023	111,572
2022	111,909
2021	109,516
2020	107,296
2019	105,861
2015	106,144
2010	97,768
2000	79,411

burden2023

Drug-disorder health loss

69,122 healthy life-years

North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from drug use disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD, not overdose deaths. Included in total YLD; do not add to the all-cause total.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Drug-disorder health loss observations for South Africa
Year	healthy life-years
2023	69,122
2022	68,321
2021	66,364
2020	64,521
2019	64,198
2015	66,466
2010	77,670
2000	71,519

disease2024

Tuberculosis incidence

389 per 100,000 people

North star

End tuberculosis

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated new and relapsed tuberculosis cases per 100,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

WHO modeled incidence includes uncertainty; not the number of reported diagnoses.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.TBS.INCD ↗

Tuberculosis incidence observations for South Africa
Year	per 100,000 people
2024	389
2023	427
2022	468
2021	513
2020	562
2019	615
2018	677
2017	738
2016	805
2015	988
2014	1,070
2013	1,110
2012	1,160
2011	1,200
2010	1,230
2009	1,260
2008	1,270
2007	1,270
2006	1,250
2005	1,210
2004	1,150
2003	1,070
2002	971
2001	867
2000	762

disease2024

New HIV infections

5.2 per 1,000 uninfected ages 15–49

North star

Zero new HIV infections

Unified Nations aspirational north star

New HIV infections among uninfected adults ages 15–49.

Source, limitations & data

Denominator is uninfected adults in this age group, not the whole population.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.HIV.INCD.ZS ↗

New HIV infections observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 uninfected ages 15–49
2024	5.2
2023	5.5
2022	5.9
2021	6.3
2020	6.7
2019	7.2
2018	7.8
2017	8.4
2016	9.3
2015	10.1
2014	10.6
2013	11.3
2012	12
2011	12.7
2010	13.5
2009	14.2
2008	14.8
2007	15.4
2006	16.1
2005	16.7
2004	17.5
2003	18.4
2002	19.5
2001	20.7
2000	21.9

disease2024

Malaria incidence

0.1 per 1,000 at risk

North star

End malaria

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated new malaria cases per 1,000 people at risk.

Source, limitations & data

At-risk population differs from total population. No observation is not zero or proof of elimination.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.MLR.INCD.P3 ↗

Malaria incidence observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 at risk
2024	0.1
2023	0.8
2022	0.3
2021	0.5
2020	0.7
2019	0.8
2018	1.6
2017	4.1
2016	0.8
2015	0.9
2014	2.1
2013	1.6
2012	1.2
2011	1.9
2010	1.5
2009	1.2
2008	1.5
2007	1.3
2006	2.4
2005	1.6
2004	2.7
2003	2.8
2002	3.3
2001	5.6
2000	3.9

disease2024

Diabetes prevalence

7.2 % ages 20–79

North star

Prevent avoidable diabetes and support everyone living with it

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Share of adults ages 20–79 living with diabetes.

Source, limitations & data

A modeled prevalence estimate; diagnosis, treatment, and control matter alongside prevention.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.DIAB.ZS ↗

Diabetes prevalence observations for South Africa
Year	% ages 20–79
2024	7.2
2011	7

disease2024

Tobacco use

23.7 % adults 15+

North star

A tobacco-free future

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use in adults.

Source, limitations & data

Includes smoked and smokeless tobacco as defined by the source; a modeled estimate.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.PRV.SMOK ↗

Tobacco use observations for South Africa
Year	% adults 15+
2024	23.7
2023	23.6
2022	23.5
2020	23.4
2015	23.2
2010	23
2007	22.8
2005	22.8
2000	22.6

disease2020

Alcohol consumption

7.1 litres pure alcohol per adult 15+

North star

Minimize alcohol-related harm

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Annual total alcohol consumption per person age 15+.

Source, limitations & data

WHO modeled/projected estimate includes recorded and estimated unrecorded consumption, adjusted for tourism; not a measure of distribution or dependence.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.ALC.PCAP.LI ↗

Alcohol consumption observations for South Africa
Year	litres pure alcohol per adult 15+
2020	7.1
2019	8.8
2018	8.8
2017	8.7
2016	8.8
2015	8.9
2014	8.9
2013	8.9
2012	8.9
2011	8.8
2010	8.7
2009	8.7
2008	8.8
2007	8.8
2006	8.8
2005	8.8
2004	8.7
2003	8.7
2002	8.8
2001	9
2000	9

disease2017

Child stunting

21.3 % children under 5

Historical evidence · 2017. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

North star

Zero child stunting

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Children under five with low height for age relative to the WHO growth standard.

Source, limitations & data

Survey and modeled series vary; reflects cumulative deprivation, not every cause of poor nutrition.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.STNT.ZS ↗

Child stunting observations for South Africa
Year	% children under 5
2017	21.3
2016	27.4
2015	21.2
2008	25

disease2017

Child wasting

3.6 % children under 5

Historical evidence · 2017. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

North star

Zero child wasting

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Children under five with low weight for height relative to the WHO growth standard.

Source, limitations & data

Sparse household surveys; a national observation can miss local or seasonal emergencies.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.WAST.ZS ↗

Child wasting observations for South Africa
Year	% children under 5
2017	3.6
2016	2.5
2015	3.4
2008	5.4

disease2023

Undernourishment

10 % of population

North star

Zero hunger

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of people with insufficient dietary energy intake.

Source, limitations & data

FAO modeled estimate; values below 2.5% may be censored in source presentation.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS ↗

Undernourishment observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2023	10
2022	10
2021	9.4
2020	8.6
2019	7.2
2018	6.4
2017	6.1
2016	6.4
2015	6.6
2014	6.4
2013	5.6
2012	5.2
2011	5
2010	4.5
2009	4
2008	3.5
2007	3.5
2006	3.4
2005	3.3
2004	3.3
2003	3.4
2002	3.5
2001	3.6

care2023

Essential health-service coverage

74 index 0–100

North star

Universal access to essential health services

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Universal health coverage service coverage index across essential health services.

Source, limitations & data

A tracer-service index, not a claim that every person receives care or financial protection.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH_UHC_SCI ↗

Essential health-service coverage observations for South Africa
Year	index 0–100
2023	74
2022	75
2021	72
2020	68
2019	67
2018	67
2017	68
2016	68
2015	68
2014	67
2013	65
2012	65
2011	64
2010	63
2009	62
2008	61
2007	60
2006	59
2005	58
2004	57
2003	56
2002	55
2001	54
2000	54

care2024

DTP immunization

74 % children ages 12–23 months

North star

Every child protected by routine vaccination

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of children ages 12–23 months receiving three doses of DTP vaccine.

Source, limitations & data

Coverage does not measure every vaccine, timeliness, or equitable access.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.IMM.IDPT ↗

DTP immunization observations for South Africa
Year	% children ages 12–23 months
2024	74
2023	79
2022	85
2021	86
2020	84
2019	85
2018	82
2017	84
2016	85
2015	85
2014	85
2013	81
2012	71
2011	75
2010	77
2009	81
2008	82
2007	85
2006	84
2005	81
2004	74
2003	69
2002	70
2001	71
2000	73

care2024

Measles immunization

76 % children ages 12–23 months

North star

Every child protected against measles

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of children ages 12–23 months receiving a measles vaccine.

Source, limitations & data

One vaccine-dose indicator, not proof of community immunity or complete schedules.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.IMM.MEAS ↗

Measles immunization observations for South Africa
Year	% children ages 12–23 months
2024	76
2023	80
2022	86
2021	87
2020	84
2019	83
2018	81
2017	81
2016	84
2015	86
2014	84
2013	78
2012	79
2011	77
2010	72
2009	77
2008	73
2007	68
2006	69
2005	64
2004	63
2003	62
2002	65
2001	69
2000	72

care2016

Skilled birth attendance

96.7 % of births

Historical evidence · 2016. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

North star

Every birth supported by skilled, respectful care

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Births attended by skilled health personnel.

Source, limitations & data

Presence of a skilled attendant does not establish quality, emergency access, or respectful care.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.BRTC.ZS ↗

Skilled birth attendance observations for South Africa
Year	% of births
2016	96.7
2008	94.3
2004	91.2
2003	91.2

care2024

Adolescent birth rate

51.8 births per 1,000 women ages 15–19

North star

Prevent unintended adolescent pregnancy and support young parents

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Births per 1,000 women ages 15–19.

Source, limitations & data

Births alone do not establish intention or agency; reproductive choice and access to care matter.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.ADO.TFRT ↗

Adolescent birth rate observations for South Africa
Year	births per 1,000 women ages 15–19
2024	51.8
2023	51.6
2022	51.7
2021	52.5
2020	51.6
2019	53.3
2018	51.4
2017	56
2016	61.6
2015	68
2014	70.2
2013	64.6
2012	59.7
2011	57.2
2010	53.6
2009	57.1
2008	55.7
2007	46.5
2006	48.9
2005	47.8
2004	57.2
2003	59.8
2002	60.1
2001	62.9
2000	67.4

care2023

Current health expenditure

8.9 % of GDP

North star

Affordable, effective care with fair financial protection

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Current health expenditure as a share of GDP.

Source, limitations & data

More spending is not automatically better outcomes; excludes capital expenditure.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS ↗

Current health expenditure observations for South Africa
Year	% of GDP
2023	8.9
2022	8.7
2021	8.7
2020	9
2019	8.2
2018	8.1
2017	8
2016	8.1
2015	8.1
2014	7.9
2013	8.1
2012	8
2011	7.9
2010	7.8
2009	7.6
2008	7.1
2007	6.9
2006	6.9
2005	6.9
2004	6.9
2003	7
2002	6.7
2001	7.1
2000	7.3

care2023

Out-of-pocket health costs

6.7 % of health expenditure

North star

No one pushed into hardship by the cost of care

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Out-of-pocket spending as a share of current health expenditure.

Source, limitations & data

Not the share of household income spent on health, and not a direct catastrophic-spending measure.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.XPD.OOPC.CH.ZS ↗

Out-of-pocket health costs observations for South Africa
Year	% of health expenditure
2023	6.7
2022	6.7
2021	6.6
2020	6.4
2019	5.7
2018	5.8
2017	5.8
2016	5.8
2015	5.7
2014	5.7
2013	7.6
2012	7.7
2011	7.8
2010	8
2009	8.1
2008	8.8
2007	9.7
2006	10.6
2005	11.3
2004	11.8
2003	12.3
2002	13.6
2001	14.1
2000	14.5

care2022

Physician availability

0.8 per 1,000 people

North star

Timely access to qualified health professionals

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Number of physicians per 1,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

Counts can combine practicing or registered staff depending on country; distribution and quality matter.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.MED.PHYS.ZS ↗

Physician availability observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 people
2022	0.8
2021	0.8
2019	0.8
2018	0.7
2017	0.8
2016	0.8
2015	0.8
2014	0.7
2013	0.7
2012	0.7
2011	0.7
2010	0.7
2009	0.7
2008	0.7
2007	0.7
2004	0.7

care2022

Nurses & midwives

6.4 per 1,000 people

North star

Adequate nursing and midwifery care everywhere

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Nursing and midwifery personnel per 1,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

Country reporting and occupational coverage differ; national density conceals shortages.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.MED.NUMW.P3 ↗

Nurses & midwives observations for South Africa
Year	per 1,000 people
2022	6.4
2020	1
2019	1.1
2018	1.2
2017	1.3
2016	1.3
2015	1.2
2014	1.2
2013	1.2
2012	1.1
2011	1
2010	1
2009	0.9
2008	0.9
2007	0.8
2006	0.8
2005	0.7
2004	0.7
2003	0.7
2002	0.7
2001	0.7
2000	0.7

environment2024

Safely managed drinking water

68 % of population

North star

Safe drinking water for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People using drinking water that is on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination.

Source, limitations & data

WHO/UNICEF JMP estimate. Missing safely managed data must not be substituted silently with basic access.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.H2O.SMDW.ZS ↗

Safely managed drinking water observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2024	68
2023	68.6
2022	69.1
2021	69.6
2020	69.8
2019	69.7
2018	69.7
2017	69.6
2016	69.4
2015	69.3
2014	69.2
2013	69
2012	68.8
2011	68.6
2010	68.4
2009	68.2
2008	67.9
2007	67.7
2006	67.4
2005	66.9
2004	66.1
2003	65.3
2002	64.5
2001	63.7
2000	63.2

environment2024

Safely managed sanitation

73.8 % of population

North star

Safe sanitation for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People using improved, unshared sanitation with safe disposal or treatment of excreta.

Source, limitations & data

WHO/UNICEF JMP estimate. Basic sanitation is a separate, less stringent measure.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.SMSS.ZS ↗

Safely managed sanitation observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2024	73.8
2023	73.2
2022	71.7
2021	69.5
2020	67.4
2019	65.3
2018	63.2
2017	61.2
2016	59.3
2015	57.3
2014	55.4
2013	54.9
2012	54.4
2011	53.8
2010	53.3
2009	52.7
2008	52.2
2007	51.6
2006	51
2005	50.4
2004	49.8
2003	49.2
2002	48.6
2001	48
2000	47.4

environment2020

Handwashing facilities

44.4 % of population

North star

Soap, water, and hygiene access for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People with a handwashing facility with soap and water at home.

Source, limitations & data

Limited survey coverage; presence does not establish consistent use.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.HYGN.ZS ↗

Handwashing facilities observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2020	44.4
2019	44.2
2018	44.1
2017	44
2016	43.9
2015	43.7
2014	43.6
2013	43.5
2012	43.3

environment2023

Fine-particle air pollution

27.7 µg/m³

North star

WHO guideline: annual PM2.5 at most 5 µg/m³

WHO air-quality guideline · Target source ↗

Population-weighted annual mean exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Source, limitations & data

Modeled national exposure. Local hotspots and personal exposure differ.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · EN.ATM.PM25.MC.M3 ↗

Fine-particle air pollution observations for South Africa
Year	µg/m³
2023	27.7
2022	28.5
2021	27.7
2020	28.3
2019	28.9
2018	27.8
2017	28.8
2016	26.1
2015	28.5
2014	26.7
2013	28.4
2012	28.6
2011	28.5
2010	32.8
2009	28.4
2008	28
2007	27.9
2006	25.8
2005	21.7
2004	21.4
2003	21.3
2002	22.4
2001	23
2000	23.6

environment2023

Clean cooking access

89.8 % of population

North star

Clean cooking without harmful household smoke

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People with access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.

Source, limitations & data

Primary reliance as defined by WHO; access does not guarantee affordability or exclusive use.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · EG.CFT.ACCS.ZS ↗

Clean cooking access observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2023	89.8
2022	89.2
2021	88.7
2020	88.1
2019	87.3
2018	86.6
2017	85.8
2016	85
2015	83.9
2014	83
2013	81.8
2012	80.5
2011	79.2
2010	77.5
2009	75.8
2008	73.9
2007	71.8
2006	69.5
2005	67.4
2004	65.1
2003	62.9
2002	60.7
2001	58.6
2000	56.7

environment2024

Electricity access

90.2 % of population

North star

Reliable, affordable electricity for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of people with access to electricity.

Source, limitations & data

Connection alone does not measure reliability, affordability or clean generation.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS ↗

Electricity access observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2024	90.2
2023	87.7
2022	86.5
2021	89.3
2020	90
2019	85
2018	84.7
2017	84.4
2016	83.9
2015	85.3
2014	85.9
2013	85.2
2012	85.2
2011	83.6
2010	82.8
2009	82.6
2008	81.9
2007	82
2006	80.7
2005	80.8
2004	80.6
2003	78.8
2002	76.7
2001	70.2
2000	72.4

opportunity2022

Extreme poverty

17.4 % of population

North star

Zero extreme poverty

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People living on less than $3.00 a day at 2021 purchasing-power-parity prices.

Source, limitations & data

Survey-based; line and PPP base change across releases. The source metadata gives the exact current definition.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SI.POV.DDAY ↗

Extreme poverty observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2022	17.4
2014	27.9
2010	27.8
2008	37
2005	40.7
2000	47.9

opportunity2025

Unemployment

32.4 % of labor force

North star

Decent work for everyone who wants it

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

People without work who are available and seeking work; ILO modeled estimate.

Source, limitations & data

Excludes people outside the labor force and does not establish job quality.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS ↗

Unemployment observations for South Africa
Year	% of labor force
2025	32.4
2024	32.3
2023	32.1
2022	33.3
2021	34
2020	29.2
2019	28.5
2018	26.9
2017	27
2016	26.5
2015	25.1
2014	24.9
2013	24.6
2012	24.7
2011	24.6
2010	24.7
2009	23.5
2008	22.4
2007	22.3
2006	22.3
2005	22.5
2004	22.6
2003	22.7
2002	22.6
2001	22.7
2000	22.8

opportunity2025

Employment-to-population ratio

37.6 % ages 15+

North star

Dignified, fairly paid work and genuine choice

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Share of people age 15+ who are employed; ILO modeled estimate.

Source, limitations & data

Age structure, education and unpaid care affect the rate. 100% employment is not an appropriate universal goal.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SL.EMP.TOTL.SP.ZS ↗

Employment-to-population ratio observations for South Africa
Year	% ages 15+
2025	37.6
2024	37.6
2023	37.4
2022	35.7
2021	34.3
2020	35.8
2019	39.5
2018	40.3
2017	40.4
2016	40.2
2015	40.9
2014	40
2013	40
2012	39.5
2011	39.3
2010	39.4
2009	41.3
2008	43.3
2007	43.4
2006	43.5
2005	43.5
2004	43.6
2003	43.7
2002	43.9
2001	44.1
2000	44.2

opportunity2025

Income per person

13,592 international dollars, constant 2021 PPP

North star

Shared prosperity within ecological limits

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

GDP per person adjusted for purchasing power and inflation.

Source, limitations & data

Not household income, wealth or wellbeing; the current PPP base is specified in source metadata.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.KD ↗

Income per person observations for South Africa
Year	international dollars, constant 2021 PPP
2025	13,592
2024	13,598
2023	13,695
2022	13,767
2021	13,682
2020	13,251
2019	14,353
2018	14,554
2017	14,574
2016	14,501
2015	14,542
2014	14,643
2013	14,681
2012	14,564
2011	14,434
2010	14,165
2009	13,911
2008	14,298
2007	14,016
2006	13,444
2005	12,862
2004	12,341
2003	11,923
2002	11,698
2001	11,387
2000	11,184

opportunity2022

Income inequality

54.1 Gini index 0–100

North star

Fair opportunity and less harmful inequality

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Distribution of income or consumption within a country.

Source, limitations & data

Income and consumption surveys are not interchangeable; sparse survey years are shown honestly.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SI.POV.GINI ↗

Income inequality observations for South Africa
Year	Gini index 0–100
2022	54.1
2014	59.6
2010	60.9
2008	62.5
2005	65
2000	57.8

opportunity2023

Primary-school completion

95.3 % of relevant age group

North star

Every child completes quality primary education

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Completion rate for primary education.

Source, limitations & data

Gross enrollment-based ratios can exceed 100%; completion does not directly measure learning.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SE.PRM.CMPT.ZS ↗

Primary-school completion observations for South Africa
Year	% of relevant age group
2023	95.3
2022	97.1
2021	95.2
2020	92.7
2019	93
2018	92.4
2016	90.3
2015	91.3
2004	89.5
2003	83.5
2002	79.2
2000	72.6

opportunity2024

Adult literacy

91.2 % adults 15+

North star

Literacy for every adult

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Adults who can read and write a short simple statement about everyday life.

Source, limitations & data

Sparse census or survey observations; national definitions and self-report can vary.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SE.ADT.LITR.ZS ↗

Adult literacy observations for South Africa
Year	% adults 15+
2024	91.2
2021	90
2019	95
2016	91.7
2015	94.4
2014	94.1
2012	93.7
2011	93.1
2010	92.9
2009	92.9
2007	88.7

opportunity2024

Internet use

78.4 % of population

North star

Meaningful digital access for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People using the internet.

Source, limitations & data

Access does not establish affordability, safety, speed or digital literacy.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · IT.NET.USER.ZS ↗

Internet use observations for South Africa
Year	% of population
2024	78.4
2023	78.3
2022	78.3
2021	75
2020	72.1
2019	69.7
2018	62.4
2017	56.2
2016	54
2015	51.9
2014	49
2013	46.5
2012	41
2011	34
2010	24
2009	10
2008	8.4
2007	8.1
2006	7.6
2005	7.5
2004	8.4
2003	7
2002	6.7
2001	6.3
2000	5.3

opportunity2017

Birth registration

88.6 % children under 5

Historical evidence · 2017. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

North star

Every child counted and legally recognized

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Children under five whose births have been registered with a civil authority.

Source, limitations & data

Survey or administrative coverage may differ; registration does not establish complete vital statistics.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.REG.BRTH.ZS ↗

Birth registration observations for South Africa
Year	% children under 5
2017	88.6
2012	85
2008	92
2006	78

A starting agenda for South Africa

Turn the goals
into work.

This is a public-health agenda to adapt with local communities and professionals. Completion alone does not establish a quantified effect.

Prevent avoidable deaths

Protect life at every stage.

Expand timely, respectful maternal and newborn care.
Close gaps in routine vaccination and disease prevention.
Strengthen suicide prevention, mental-health care, and follow-up.
Reduce road injuries, violence, and avoidable chronic-disease deaths.

WHO suicide-prevention evidence ↗

Reduce health loss

Make effective care reachable.

Improve access to primary care and essential medicines.
Detect and treat disease earlier.
Provide rehabilitation, pain relief, and disability support.
Protect households from harmful health-care costs.

WHO universal health coverage ↗

Build healthy conditions

Support the foundations of life.

Deliver safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and clean cooking.
Reduce harmful air pollution and child malnutrition.
Expand quality education, decent work, and social protection.
Publish results and identify who is still being left behind.

International development goals ↗

Keep exploring

OUR GREAT WORKIS NOT OVER.

South AfricaZAFA healthier future.

More life.Less suffering.

The trends.The north stars.

Life expectancy

Healthy life expectancy

Under-five mortality

Infant mortality

Neonatal mortality

Maternal mortality

Suicide mortality

Road-traffic mortality

Intentional homicide

Premature chronic-disease mortality

Healthy life-years lost

Life-years lost to premature death

Years of nonfatal health loss

All-cause deaths

Suicide deaths

Depressive-disorder health loss

Anxiety-disorder health loss

Alcohol-disorder health loss

Drug-disorder health loss

Tuberculosis incidence

New HIV infections

Malaria incidence

Diabetes prevalence

Tobacco use

Alcohol consumption

Child stunting

Child wasting

Undernourishment

Essential health-service coverage

DTP immunization

Measles immunization

Skilled birth attendance

Adolescent birth rate

Current health expenditure

Out-of-pocket health costs

Physician availability

Nurses & midwives

Safely managed drinking water

Safely managed sanitation

Handwashing facilities

Fine-particle air pollution

Clean cooking access

Electricity access

Extreme poverty

Unemployment

Employment-to-population ratio

Income per person

Income inequality

Primary-school completion

Adult literacy

Internet use

Birth registration

Turn the goalsinto work.

Protect life at every stage.

Make effective care reachable.

Support the foundations of life.

More country perspectives.

OUR GREAT WORK
IS NOT OVER.

More life.
Less suffering.

The trends.
The north stars.

Turn the goals
into work.