Mozambique Infant Mortality Rate
Infant Mortality Rate in Mozambique
Definition: The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is a crucial indicator of a country's overall health conditions. It represents the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births in a given year.
Current Status in Mozambique: Mozambique's IMR has shown a decline over the past decades but remains high compared to global averages. According to the most recent statistics from UNICEF and the World Bank:
- Infant Mortality Rate (2021): Approximately 58 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Historical Trends: The reduction in IMR has been gradual, reflecting improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and disease prevention. However, Mozambique still faces significant challenges:
- 1990: 139 deaths per 1,000 live births
- 2000: 123 deaths per 1,000 live births
- 2010: 83 deaths per 1,000 live births
- 2020: 60 deaths per 1,000 live births
Key Factors Influencing Infant Mortality in Mozambique:
- Healthcare Access:
- Limited access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas, affects prenatal and postnatal care.
- Infectious Diseases:
- Diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea are leading causes of infant mortality.
- Malnutrition:
- High rates of malnutrition among pregnant women and infants contribute significantly to infant deaths.
- Maternal Health:
- Poor maternal health and inadequate access to skilled birth attendants are major factors.
- Sanitation and Water Quality:
- Inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water lead to infections and diseases, increasing the risk of infant mortality.
Mozambique: Infant mortality rate from 2011 to 2021
We have an important and positive trend to discuss today regarding the health and well-being of the youngest members of society. We're looking at the infant mortality rate, which is an indicator of the overall health of a population.
In Mozambique, the infant mortality rate decreased by 1.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in the year leading up to 2021, marking about a 2.86 percent reduction from the previous year. This decrease is significant because it represents progress in health care, nutrition, and the general living conditions for babies in the country.
Infant mortality rate is an important metric; it's the number of infants, out of every thousand born, who pass away before their first birthday. This rate reflects factors like maternal health, access to healthcare, socio-economic conditions, and public health practices.
The causes of infant mortality can range from congenital conditions and infections to complications related to preterm birth or delivery. Lower rates indicate better maternal and infant care, higher living standards, and overall societal well-being.
A continued decrease in infant mortality is a positive sign. It can mean that a country is improving in areas such as prenatal care, education, and access to health services.