Maternal deaths due to sepsis : a slow but steady decline

Abstract

Maternal sepsis has always been amongst one of the direct leading causes of maternal mortality. This paper is focused on deaths due to Pregnancy Related Sepsis in viable pregnancies and highlights the summary of findings on data from the last 3 years (2017-2019 triennium). It documents a slow but steady reduction in maternal deaths from pregnancy related sepsis, from a high of 258 deaths to 170 deaths since 2008 to-date. It further emphasizes areas of concern and makes further recommendations towards improving maternal sepsis outcomes in South Africa. There is still much work to be done, and efforts need to concentrate on improving the health system to further reduce these deaths.