The global infant mortality rate (IMR) has significantly decreased over the past century, reflecting improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions:
- 1920: Approximately 65 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- 1950: The IMR was around 150 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- 1990: The global IMR was about 63 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- 2000: The IMR decreased to approximately 50 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- 2010: The IMR further declined to about 39 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- 2019: The global IMR reached 28 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- 2022: The IMR was estimated at 29 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Contributing Factors
- Healthcare Improvements: Advances in maternal and infant healthcare, including vaccinations and prenatal care.
- Nutritional Enhancements: Better nutrition for mothers and infants has led to lower mortality rates.
- Public Health Initiatives: Efforts to improve sanitation and access to clean water have also played a crucial role.
Conclusion
The decline in the infant mortality rate over the past century highlights significant global health improvements, although disparities remain, particularly in low-income regions where rates are still high.