South Africa’s stillbirths have more than doubled since 1997, reaching nearly 16,000 in 2020. Early neonatal deaths also remain high, with respiratory and cardiovascular complications as leading causes.
Recent government statistics on perinatal deaths reveal concerns about maternal care in South Africa, with stillbirths more than doubling from 1997 to 2020. In 2020, 15,908 babies died in the womb, slightly down from 16,187 the previous year. South Africa defines stillbirth as a fetus of at least 26 weeks with no signs of life at birth, primarily caused by complications during pregnancy, labour, and delivery, highlighting the urgent need for improved maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Early Neonatal Deaths
Early neonatal deaths also pose a significant issue, rising from just over 7,000 in 1997 to 8,200 in 2020. Most neonatal deaths occur shortly after birth, with nearly one-third happening on the day of birth and 68% within the first three days. Notably, only 4% of stillbirths and neonatal deaths occur at home, with around 70% in hospitals.
Causes and Risks
While complications during pregnancy lead to stillbirths, early neonatal deaths are primarily associated with respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Boys face a higher risk than girls for both conditions.
Despite a concerning trend, UNICEF reported progress in reducing child mortality in South Africa, with under-five deaths dropping from 7.9% of live births in 2004 to 3.2% in 2018, mainly due to efforts to prevent HIV transmission. However, the under-five mortality rate remains three times higher than that of other middle-income countries, with many deaths from preventable causes.