Gauteng records decline in deaths

31 Oct 2011

The number of mothers and babies dying in Gauteng has declined as a result of interventions implemented last year by the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development.

According to a report tabled before the Gauteng legislature portfolio committee on Health and Social Development preliminary data for 2008 to 2011 shows an improvement in maternal mortality rate from 166 deaths per 100 000 live births to 144 deaths per 100 000 live births.

The reduction in maternal deaths indicates that the department is making encouraging progress to achieve the millennium development goal target of 100 deaths per 100 000 live births.

Data for the first quarter of 2011 also indicate a decrease in prenatal mortality rate from 33.5 per 1000 in 2010 to 28.7 per 1000. Neonatal deaths were also reduced from 11.7 per 100 to 10.5 per 100 in the same period.

Intervention implemented included improvements in neonatal units at Natalspruit, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic and Jubilee hospitals. Kangaroo mother care units have been established in 23 out of 24 hospitals for the survival of premature babies.

Infection control was improved by installing waterless antibacterial hand wash dispensers in neonatal wards at Dr George Mukhari Academic, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, Natalspruit, Pholosong, Far East Rand and Sebokeng hospitals.

The number of mothers choosing caesarean operations to deliver babies increased slightly from 27% to 28.7% in the last financial year. Delivery by caesarean section is important in reducing the risk of infecting new born babies with HIV if mothers did not receive antiretroviral therapy.

Statement issued by Gauteng Health and Social Development October 31 2011

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