Portugal recorded increases in deaths of fetuses with more than 22 weeks of gestation and in deaths of children under one year old, according to a report by the Directorate-General of Health. More than half of the maternal deaths recorded between 2020 and 2024 occurred in women aged 35 or older.
Fetal and infant mortality increased in Portugal in 2024
Wednesday, 11 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
AI Summary AvailableFetal and infant mortality rates rose in 2024Read the synthesized summary with context and explainers
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Other news coverage of this topic
- Fetal and infant mortality increased in 2024, states the DGS • CNN Portugal
- DGS: Age is the greatest risk for maternal death • Observador
- More than half of maternal deaths are women over 35 • Correio da Manhã
- More than half of pregnancy-related deaths occurred in women aged 35 or older • RTP Notícias
- Portugal sees more fetal and infant deaths in 2024 • Observador
