The first Injury Mortality Survey (IMS) in South Africa aimed to capture the profile of non-natural deaths for 2009 (2009 IMS). The second IMS, conducted in 2017 (2017 IMS), is followed by this report, which presents findings from the third IMS for the 2020/21 period (2020/21 IMS).

Key messages

• We conducted a study to present the profile of non-natural deaths in South Africa during 2020/21 (2020/21 IMS).
• Overall, the all-cause injury mortality rate appeared to decrease across the three surveys (2009 IMS, 2017 IMS and 2020/21 IMS); however the decrease in 2020/21 may be linked to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and related restrictions.
• Homicide rates remain unchanged between the 2017 IMS and 2020/21 IMS, although an increase in firearm homicide was noted compared to 2009 IMS.
• Transport-related mortality appears to be on a downward trend, as observed in the 2017 IMS. However, COVID-19 related curfews and alcohol restrictions likely played a role in the decrease observed in the 2020/21 period.

Please view the full report here: The 3rd Injury Mortality Survey: A national study of injury mortality levels and causes in South Africa in 2020/21

Please view the previous report: The 2nd Injury Mortality Survey: A national study of injury mortality levels and causes in South Africa in 2017

Please view the Injury Mortality Survey 2009 report.