Which figure represents South Africa's infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births?

Which figure represents South Africa's infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births?

• A. 10.2 per 1,000
• B. 24.3 per 1,000
• C. 40.5 per 1,000
• D. 32.0 per 1,000

Answer: (B)

Infant mortality rate is the number of babies who die before their first birthday per 1,000 live births in a given period. This measure reflects the health of mothers, newborn care, and broader social conditions affecting early child survival. Among the given figures, 24.3 per 1,000 is the best match for South Africa’s recent infant mortality rate. It sits in the mid-20s, which aligns with SA’s documented trend of gradual improvement but still higher than many high-income countries. The other values would imply levels that are either unrealistically low for SA (10.2 per 1,000) or too high (40.5 per 1,000), with 32.0 per 1,000 being plausible but not as representative of the typical recent range as 24.3.

Infant mortality rate is the number of babies who die before their first birthday per 1,000 live births in a given period. This measure reflects the health of mothers, newborn care, and broader social conditions affecting early child survival.

Among the given figures, 24.3 per 1,000 is the best match for South Africa’s recent infant mortality rate. It sits in the mid-20s, which aligns with SA’s documented trend of gradual improvement but still higher than many high-income countries. The other values would imply levels that are either unrealistically low for SA (10.2 per 1,000) or too high (40.5 per 1,000), with 32.0 per 1,000 being plausible but not as representative of the typical recent range as 24.3.