Prematurity continues to be the main cause of neonatal mortality in the city of Maputo, according to data from the Maputo City Health Service.

According to the director of the Maputo City Health Service, Paloma Maripiha, the city of Maputo registered 1,494 premature babies between January and September this year, up from 1,320 in the same period in 2024, indicating an increase of 13%.

She was speaking today as part of the World Premature Baby Day ceremony.

Maripiha also said that efforts were continuing to strengthen prenatal care, prevent infections and apply the Kangaroo Mother Method, noting that Mozambique is among the African countries with the highest rates of premature births.