Researchers: P Barron, N Lince-Deroche, L Bamford, H Subedar, T Mbatha and Y Pillay. March 2026 What Is The Study About? In South Africa (SA), adolescent pregnancy, particularly in very young girls, is an issue of keen public and political concern given its social and health implications. This study provides a quantitative baseline that SA can use for targeting its efforts to address adolescent pregnancy and for measuring progress over time. Why Is This Important? Bar

Key Breastfeeding Metrics Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) Rates According to data released by the National Department of Health and the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, SA’s exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under 6 months old has experienced a troubling downward trend: • (2024–2026): 22% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. • This is a notable decline from the 32% reported in the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS).