South Africa Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births SH.STA.MMRT
South Africa's maternal mortality ratio was 138.60 in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 17.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
South Africa's maternal mortality ratio stood at 138.60 in 2025, a rise of +20.60 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 138.60 by 2025. South Africa ranked 53rd globally.
South Africa's Maternal Mortality Ratio has shown a significant decline over the past four decades, with the latest available data from the World Bank indicating a ratio of 138.60 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025, ranking 53 globally. This improvement is especially notable when compared to the country's all-time peak of 283.00 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 and its all-time trough of 118.00 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. When considering peer countries, South Africa's ratio is comparable to that of Indonesia, which has a ratio of 140.60 deaths per 100,000 live births. The progress made in reducing maternal mortality in South Africa is a positive trend, however, sustaining this momentum will depend on continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and the implementation of effective reproductive health policies. A significant increase in healthcare funding and a reduction in health inequities could further accelerate the decline in maternal mortality in South Africa.
Data & projection
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 139.50 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 138.60 | - | - |
| 2025 | 138.60 | +20.60 | #53 |
| 2023 | 118.00 | −11.00 | #136 |
| 2022 | 129.00 | −62.00 | #139 |
| 2021 | 191.00 | +73.00 | #144 |
| 2020 | 118.00 | −1.00 | #133 |
| 2019 | 119.00 | −9.00 | #134 |
| 2018 | 128.00 | −6.00 | #134 |
| 2017 | 134.00 | −7.00 | #133 |
| 2016 | 141.00 | −9.00 | #134 |
| 2015 | 150.00 | −12.00 | #135 |
| 2014 | 162.00 | −18.00 | #134 |
| 2013 | 180.00 | −14.00 | #136 |
| 2012 | 194.00 | −8.00 | #138 |
| 2011 | 202.00 | −24.00 | #138 |
| 2010 | 226.00 | −15.00 | #140 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw maternal mortality ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's maternal mortality ratio was 138.60 in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 17.5% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's maternal mortality ratio peaked at 283.00 in 2006.
The lowest maternal mortality ratio in South Africa was 118.00 in 2020.
South Africa ranks 53rd globally in maternal mortality ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.STA.MMRT. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's maternal mortality ratio is projected to reach 138.60 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The maternal mortality ratio of South Africa in 2025 was 138.60. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_maternal-mortality,
title = {South Africa Maternal Mortality Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/maternal-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}