…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. South Africa has witnessed a notable decrease of 3.02% in its baby death rate since 2022.
However, certain hospitals continue to raise concerns as they report a high number of infant fatalities.
Regional Disparities and Possible Factors
The baby death rate in South Africa for the year 2022 was recorded at 24.306 deaths per 1000 live births, indicating a decline of 2.93% compared to the previous year.
Disturbingly, a significant number of these deaths occurred in provinces with rural areas.
The report suggests that staff shortages or a lack of necessary skills to handle such cases might be contributing factors.
Previous Years’ Statistics on Baby Death Rate
Comparing the baby death rates in South Africa over the past years, the current infant mortality rate for 2023 stands at 23.573 deaths per 1000 live births, marking a 3.02% decline from the previous year.
In 2022, the infant mortality rate was 24.306 deaths per 1000 live births, showing a decrease of 2.93% from 2021.
Similarly, the baby death rate in 2021 was 25.039 deaths per 1000 live births, reflecting a decline of 2.84% from 2020.
Lastly, the infant mortality rate in 2020 was 25.772 deaths per 1000 live births, indicating a decrease of 2.77% from 2019.
Concerns Surrounding Tembisa Hospital
Despite experiencing a decrease in the number of deliveries, Tembisa Hospital has observed an increase in baby deaths over the past three years.
In 2022, the hospital reported 280 deaths, compared to 271 deaths in 2021 and 237 deaths in 2020.
During this period, a total of 50,661 babies were born at the hospital, with 17,122 in 2020, 17,054 in 2021, and 16,485 in 2022.
Tembisa Hospital, located in Gauteng, raises significant concerns as it records the highest number of baby deaths in the region.
Gauteng Health MEC’s Response
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko responded to questions posed by DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom, in the Gauteng Legislature.
This interaction unveiled the distressing statistics regarding baby deaths at Tembisa Hospital.
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