In 2023, South Africa's neonatal mortality rate stood at 10.9 deaths per thousand live births. Based on the forecasted data, there is a slight but consistent year-on-year decrease in neonatal mortality from 2024 to 2028. Specifically, the rate decreases by 0.93% from 2024 to 2025, 0.93% from 2025 to 2026, and by 0.94% from 2026 to 2027. The rate remains stable from 2027 to 2028. Over the five-year period, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) indicates an average reduction of approximately 0.74% per year.

Future trends to watch for include:

Improvements in healthcare access and quality for pregnant women and newborns.
Increased funding and initiatives targeting maternal and infant health.
The impact of socio-economic factors and public health policies on neonatal care.
Advancements in medical technology and neonatal care practices.