This document discusses infant mortality rates around the world. It defines infant mortality as deaths of children under age 1. The world infant mortality rate in 2008 was 49 per 1000 live births, while rates were lower in more developed countries (6 per 1000) and higher in less developed and least developed countries (54 and 85 per 1000, respectively). Infant mortality is an important indicator of overall health conditions and levels of development within a country. Many infant deaths are preventable through improved medical care and interventions.
2. Infant Mortality
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Neo-natal mortality rate
Post neo-natal mortality rate
Child mortality rates
Children aged 5 and under
3. Infant Mortality
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World IMR (2008) = 49 per 1000
MDCs IMR = 6 per 1000
LDCs IMR = 54 per 1000
Least Developed Countries = 85 per 1000
4. Infant Mortality
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Country with lowest IMR
China/Hong Kong = 1.6
Country with highest IMR
Afghanistan= 163
World Population Data Sheet (pg. 2)
5. Infant Mortality
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Why is it important to study?
A large % of all deaths occur among infants in
high mortality countries
It is a very sensitive event
Responds well to intervention
It is an index of the general medical and public health
conditions of a country
6. Infant Mortality
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Many deaths in this age group are preventable
Low birth weight
Jaundice
Gastroenteritis
Pneumonia
and therefore IMR decreases dramatically as
medical care is improved
For this reason IMR is seen as an accurate
indicator of development
Healthy People 2010 goal: IMR = 4.5
8. Infant Mortality
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Infant Mortality
Other factors which affect IMR which are linked to
development
Status of women and income
Educational level of mother
Age of mother
Also birth interval
