South Africa’s public hospitals recorded 10,560 newborn deaths in 2024. That is an average of 29 babies dying every day before reaching one month of age.
The figures appear in the latest District Health Barometer, released at the end of April. The report tracks healthcare performance across the country’s 52 health districts.
South Africa’s neonatal mortality rate stood at 13 deaths per 1,000 live births in public facilities. This is close to the United Nations target of no more than 12 deaths per 1,000 births by 2030.