Two Superbugs Cause Over Half of Newborn Deaths in Soweto
Over the past decade, researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand analysed tissue samples from 1,586 children under five who died at public health facilities in Soweto, a township southwest of Johannesburg. Their findings reveal that more than half of deaths in newborns and about a third in infants were caused by just two types of bacteria.
Study Context and Findings
The area studied includes a mix of informal settlements and structured housing, providing a representative view of urban townships across South Africa. The researchers emphasize that many babies die due to preventable infections, a fact that is well known, but the detailed data from this study adds important insight.
Expert Commentary
"This study provides valuable detail about the causes of child deaths in urban townships," says Ziyaad Dangor, head of the South African leg of the nine-country Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (Champs) study.
Linda Pretorius highlights how these two superbugs are responsible for half of newborn fatalities in her latest newsletter.
Significance of Research
- The research is based on analysis of tissue samples from children under five who died in public health facilities.
- The study underscores the urgent need to address these infections, which remain largely preventable.
- Findings are applicable to other urban township settings in South Africa.
Author’s summary: This research highlights the critical impact of two bacterial superbugs driving over half of newborn deaths in Soweto, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies.