The Mortality of Serving African Presidents: A Lesson for the Health Profession and the Lay Public.

Abstract

Background: Although Africa has the worst mortality data in the world, the picture painted by the high mortality rate of serving Africa leaders in the last five years suggests reasons and causes far beyond poor socio-economic conditions. This study examined the causes and age at death of serving African leaders, in the last five years, and draws out the lessons, for the health profession and the general public.

Material and methods: An internet search of creditable websites was carried out to determine the number, causes and age at deaths of the leaders, within the study period of 2008 to 2012. The life expectancy rates of the bereaved countries were also considered.

Results: A total of 13 presidential mortalities took place in the world during the study period, with 10 (76.92%) involving serving African leaders. The leaders died at an average age of 66.9 +/- 7.22 years, an average of 12.1 years above the life expectancy rate of their respective countries, but less than the world average of 68 years. Most (80.00%) of the leaders died from non-communicable diseases; 3 died from cardiovascular diseases, 3 died from cancer, while two were known diabetics. The remaining two leaders were killed in a violent change of government.

Conclusion: The African leaders died mainly from non-communicable diseases, at an age that is below the world average. Public enlightenment campaigns and greater emphasis on patient-centered chronic care of non-communicable diseases are hereby recommended.

Keywords: Presidential Mortality; Non-Communicable Diseases; African Leaders; Patient-Centered Chronic Care; Screening.