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The Department of Health has announced that more than 1 360 babies had been born at public health facilities across the country on Christmas Day.
Spokesperson, Foster Mohale says this translates to about 300 less compared to the 1 708 babies delivered in 2023.
He says the number of teenage mothers has also decreased to just under 90 from the 145 recorded in 2023.
"This can be attributed to several interventions, including Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and Healthy Lifestyle Campaign and the rollout of Youth Friendly Zones in primary health facilities across the country to create an enabling environment for young people to access sexual and reproductive health services without waiting in the queue", Mohale said.
In the Eastern Cape, 196 babies were born on Christmas Day.
Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa visited St Elizabeth Hospital in Lusikisiki on Wednesday, where she distributed care packs for the new arrivals.
The MEC stressed the importance of breastfeeding but also raised concerns that there were 26 girls aged between 15 and 19 who gave birth on Christmas Day.
