According to experts, antibiotic-resistant infections are now the leading cause of neonatal mortality in the country, especially among premature babies who are prone to hospital-acquired infections, reported Spotlight (30 April 2025).
Research from Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital reveals that 58% of neonatal deaths are associated with infections, with the majority being caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. he true scale of this crisis might be underestimated as many cases are unreported.
Meanwhile, an alarming number of SA children are not receiving life-saving vaccinations, reported The Citizen (30 April 2025).
The reasons for vaccine hesitancy include limited access to health facilities, challenging transport logistics, and indirect costs associated with getting children vaccinated. Some individuals distrust vaccination programs due to broader political concerns or past negative interactions with health systems.