Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Infant mortality rate (IMR) is a crucial indicator of a nation’s health and socio-economic development, representing the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births. Historically, IMR was exceedingly high globally, but significant progress has been made over the past few decades. However, substantial disparities persist between and within countries. According to UNICEF data (as of 2023, based on knowledge cutoff), approximately 2.6 million babies died in the first month of life in 2022, representing 74% of all deaths among children under five. Understanding the global status of IMR is vital for formulating effective public health policies and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
Global Status and Trends
Globally, the IMR has declined significantly from 130 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to approximately 27 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022. This decline is attributed to improvements in healthcare access, sanitation, nutrition, and vaccination coverage. However, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years, particularly due to factors like conflict, climate change, and economic instability.
Regional Disparities
Significant regional disparities in IMR exist. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to have the highest IMR, with an average of 73 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022. Central and Southern Asia also exhibit high rates, at 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. In contrast, high-income countries have significantly lower IMRs, with Europe and North America averaging around 4-5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
| Region | IMR (Deaths per 1,000 live births - 2022) |
|---|---|
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 73 |
| Central & Southern Asia | 28 |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 19 |
| Europe & North America | 4-5 |
| East Asia & Pacific | 10 |
Factors Influencing Infant Mortality Rate
Socio-economic Factors
- Poverty: Limited access to healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
- Education: Lower maternal education levels are correlated with higher IMRs.
- Gender Inequality: In some regions, female infants may receive less care than male infants.
Healthcare Access and Quality
- Prenatal Care: Lack of access to prenatal care increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Skilled Birth Attendance: Deliveries attended by skilled healthcare professionals significantly reduce IMR.
- Postnatal Care: Adequate postnatal care is crucial for identifying and addressing infant health issues.
- Immunization: Vaccination against preventable diseases is a key factor in reducing IMR.
Environmental Factors
- Water and Sanitation: Poor water quality and sanitation contribute to infectious diseases.
- Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Recent Progress and Challenges
Despite the overall decline, progress in reducing IMR has stalled in some regions. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services, leading to setbacks in immunization campaigns and prenatal care. Conflict zones and areas affected by climate change also face increased challenges in reducing IMR. Initiatives like the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), launched by UNICEF and WHO in 2014, aim to accelerate progress towards ending preventable newborn deaths. However, sustained investment in healthcare systems, improved access to essential services, and addressing underlying socio-economic factors are crucial for achieving further reductions in IMR globally.
Conclusion
The global infant mortality rate has witnessed substantial improvements, yet significant disparities remain, particularly across regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. While advancements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition have played a vital role, challenges such as poverty, conflict, and climate change continue to impede progress. Sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, coupled with targeted interventions addressing socio-economic determinants, is essential to accelerate reductions in IMR and achieve the SDG goals related to child health. A holistic and equitable approach is crucial for ensuring every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.