THERE would be 4.4 million more people in South Africa if it were not for the Aids epidemic, according to a survey released this week.
Currently, there are 50.6 million people in the country. In the absence of Aids, this would have been 55 million, the SA Institute of Race Relations said.
Researcher Thuthukani Ndebele said HIV/Aids had resulted in a significantly slower population growth rate.
Ndebele said an estimated six million people would have HIV/Aids in 2015, double the number in 2000.
He said that the HIV prevalence rate is higher among young African adults, resulting in fewer people in this group reaching old age.
The data shows that 31% of all deaths last year were Aids-related. "In 2025, there will be 121% more Aids deaths than in 2000," it said.
Millions die from Aids
THERE would be 4.4 million more people in South Africa if it were not for the Aids epidemic, according to a survey released this week.
Currently, there are 50.6 million people in the country. In the absence of Aids, this would have been 55 million, the SA Institute of Race Relations said.
Researcher Thuthukani Ndebele said HIV/Aids had resulted in a significantly slower population growth rate.
Ndebele said an estimated six million people would have HIV/Aids in 2015, double the number in 2000.
He said that the HIV prevalence rate is higher among young African adults, resulting in fewer people in this group reaching old age.
The data shows that 31% of all deaths last year were Aids-related. "In 2025, there will be 121% more Aids deaths than in 2000," it said.
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