A new study in The Lancet reveals South Africa's health challenges are shifting. Life expectancy has dropped to 66.5 years in 2023, down from 67.7 in 1990. While progress against HIV/AIDS has been strong, non-communicable diseases like stroke and diabetes are rising, threatening those gains. Experts warn that without action on chronic illnesses, health systems face growing strain. Globally, the study shows life expectancy climbing to 76.3 years for women and 71.5 for men. However, chronic diseases now cause nearly two-thirds of deaths worldwide, with heart disease and diabetes leading the way. For more on the study Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Nkateko Msimeki, Aid for Aids Medical Advisor and General Manager of the Health Policy and Medical Advisory Unit at Medscheme