The maternal mortality ratio in South Africa is forecasted to steadily decline over the coming years. Starting at 93.0 deaths per hundred thousand live births in 2024, it is expected to decrease to 79.0 by 2028. Comparing year-on-year, the ratio is anticipated to reduce by approximately 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, 3.4% from 2025 to 2026, 4.7% from 2026 to 2027, and 3.7% from 2027 to 2028. Over the past two years the trend showed a consistent decline. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028 projects an average annual decrease of around 3.9%
Future trends to watch for include advancements in healthcare infrastructure, increased access to maternal health services, and the implementation of effective health policies. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for sustaining and potentially accelerating the reduction in maternal mortality.
