Africa (WHO region) vs South Africa: Preterm birth rate

Africa (WHO region)
10.07
in 2020
South Africa
12.96
in 2020
Africa (WHO region) rank
6th
South Africa rank
6th

Preterm birth rate over time

  • Africa (WHO region)
  • South Africa
051015201020152020

How they compare

South Africa currently reports 12.96 against 10.07 in Africa (WHO region), a difference of 2.89.

That makes South Africa's figure about 1.3 times Africa (WHO region)'s.

Across all 11 years both countries report, South Africa has been ahead every year.

Africa (WHO region) ranks 6th and South Africa ranks 6th of 17 groups.

South Africa has averaged higher in every one of the 2 decades both report.

Head to head by decade

Decade Africa (WHO region) South Africa Difference Ahead
2010s 10.04 12.94 2.9 South Africa
2020s 10.07 12.96 2.9 South Africa

Averages of every year both report within each decade.

Frequently asked questions

Which has higher preterm birth rate, Africa (WHO region) or South Africa?
South Africa, at 12.96 against 10.07 in Africa (WHO region) as of 2020.
What is the difference in preterm birth rate between Africa (WHO region) and South Africa?
2.89, with South Africa ahead.
How many years of comparable data are there for Africa (WHO region) and South Africa?
11 years are reported by both, from 2010 to 2020.
How do Africa (WHO region) and South Africa rank globally for preterm birth rate?
Africa (WHO region) ranks 6th and South Africa ranks 6th of 17 groups.
Where does this data come from?
World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory, published as Preterm birth rate (per 100 live births). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.

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Africa (WHO region) vs South Africa: Preterm birth rate. Statizoid, drawing on World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory. Retrieved 14 September 2026, from https://health.statizoid.com/compare/preterm-birth-rate-per-100-live-births-2/africa-who-region/south-africa/

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About this data

Indicator
Preterm birth rate (per 100 live births)
Source
World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory
Licence
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO (WHO)
Coverage
120 places, 1,320 data points, 2010–2020
Last refreshed