Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Rates on the Rise in South Africa

Original Article by Jacob Webster | Business Day | 1 April 2025

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 […]

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…

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