Variations of adult morbidity and mortality by racial groups in Mafikeng local municipality, South Africa

Kefentse Mojaki-Moremogolo, North-West University, South Africa

This study was conducted in North West Province, one of the four smallest provinces of South Africa. It is a rural province with 65.1% of the population living in the rural areas and 34.9% in the urban areas. Policy development in the area of adult morbidity and mortality by racial groups is non-existent, weak and research to support policy decision has been neglected. Therefore there is a gap in current knowledge on racial variations of adult morbidity and mortality in Mafikeng Municipality. This study seeks to place adult morbidity and mortality by racial groups on the agenda of health policymakers. Survey 2007, Census 2001 and 2011 were used as secondary data. Primary data will also be used at a later stage. The results shows that mortality is higher among Blacks and Couloureds, and lower among Whites and Asians. Sex differences in mortality rates are higher among black women than other groups.