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South Africa’s maternal mortality rose during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Research area:medicine-clinicalclinical-methods

What the study found

The study found that South Africa's earlier progress in lowering maternal mortality was reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also found large differences between provinces, with only two showing a sustained downward trend and three showing consistently high and unstable maternal mortality ratios.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that South Africa is not yet on track to meet its Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 target for maternal mortality. The study suggests the pandemic exposed weak points in the health system and that targeted, equity-focused action is needed in underperforming provinces.

What the researchers tested

The researchers carried out a longitudinal trend analysis using secondary data from South Africa's Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths reports from 2017 to 2022. They examined national and provincial institutional maternal mortality ratio trends and compared changes across provinces.

What worked and what didn't

Before the pandemic, maternal mortality was improving, but during the pandemic the national institutional maternal mortality ratio rose by 42%. A decrease was seen in 2022, but the rate stayed above the 2019 baseline, and most provinces did not show clear improvement.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe detailed statistical methods beyond comparative trend analysis. It also does not provide the underlying causes of the provincial differences, only that disparities were substantial and persistent.

Key points

  • The national institutional maternal mortality ratio increased by 42% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A drop in 2022 did not bring the rate back to the 2019 baseline.
  • Only two provinces maintained a downward trend in maternal mortality.
  • Three provinces had consistently high and volatile maternal mortality ratios.
  • The authors say South Africa is not yet on track for the maternal mortality SDG target.

Disclosure

Research title:
South Africa’s maternal mortality rose during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:
Gomolemo Rakale, Sam Ntuli, Tshepo Ramarumo, Solly M. Seeletse
Institutions:
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Publication date:
2026-04-14
DOI:
10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5287
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by gpt-5.4-mini (OpenAI). The original authors did not write or review this post.

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