Infant Mortality Rate: South Africa

Analysis# South Africa Infant Mortality Rate South Africa's infant mortality rate stands at 24.2 per 1,000 births in 2024, representing a historic low for the country. This figure marks a dramatic 77.8% decline from the peak of 108.9 per 1,000 births recorded in 1976—one of the most significant health improvements in the nation's modern history. The current rate reflects sustained progress across nearly five decades of public health efforts and economic development. The most notable acceleration occurred between 2015 and 2020, when the rate dropped from 29.3 to 24.5 per 1,000 births. Since 2020, the improvement has plateaued, with the rate holding steady at approximately 24.2–24.3 births annually. This stabilization suggests South Africa has reached a current equilibrium in infant health outcomes, with further reductions likely requiring targeted interventions in maternal care and disease prevention.