The 2024 Annual Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Report shows that HIV remains the leading cause of death among men in Eswatini, while diabetes mellitus is the most common cause among women.
The report, launched by the Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe and presented by Nolwazi Dlamini, Statistician at the Demography and Vital Statistics Unit, highlights the persistent burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases on the country’s health system.
Among males, HIV (101 deaths) was the main cause of death, followed by diabetes mellitus (85 deaths) and lower respiratory infections (59 deaths). Diarrhoeal disease accounted for the fewest male deaths.
Among females, diabetes mellitus (129 deaths) was the leading cause, followed by cerebrovascular diseases (109 deaths).
Overall, diabetes was the single largest cause of death in the country with 214 cases, followed by HIV with 206 cases. Cervical cancer, diarrhoeal diseases, and other infections also featured among the top 10 causes of mortality.
Among children under five, the leading causes of death were communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions, showing the double burden of health challenges facing Eswatini.
Health experts noted that HIV’s dominance among male deaths and diabetes among female deaths underscores the need for gender-sensitive health strategies. While HIV treatment programmes must continue to expand, urgent attention is also needed to address lifestyle-related diseases.
Government’s Response
Minister Princess Lindiwe emphasised the importance of civil registration in ensuring that every individual has a legal identity — which is key to accessing essential services in an increasingly digital world.
She announced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for birth and death registration to improve efficiency and consistency.
Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula highlighted initiatives linking health services to the Civil Registry system. For example, the Client Management Information System (CMIS) now uses Personal Identification Numbers from Home Affairs to register newborns directly from maternity wards, ensuring faster issuance of birth certificates.
For deaths, the rollout of the ICD-11 system has improved digital mortality data, while the Verbal Autopsy Programme now captures data on deaths outside health facilities.
Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to registration services and technology is limited. Both ministers called for stronger collaboration among government, civil society, and development partners.
Partners and Progress
The Central Statistical Office, with support from various ministries and partners, has produced the Annual Vital Statistics Report consistently since 2016.
The 2024 edition builds on past assessments and continues efforts to improve the country’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, which plays a crucial role in legal identification and national planning.
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