Infant Mortality Rate by Country 2024

Infant mortality rate compares the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year. This rate is widely recognized as a critical indicator of a nation’s overall health and development. It reflects the quality of healthcare systems, the accessibility of medical services, maternal health, and the broader socioeconomic conditions that can affect a child’s survival in their earliest stages of life.

Countries with high infant mortality rates often face challenges like poor healthcare infrastructure, malnutrition, lack of clean water, and inadequate access to maternal care. Conversely, countries with low infant mortality rates have robust healthcare systems, early intervention programs, and better living conditions for mothers and infants. Understanding these statistics offers valuable insights into global health disparities and ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of children worldwide.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Infant Mortality Rate

1. Afghanistan: 101.3 deaths/1,000 live births
2. Somalia: 83.6 deaths/1,000 live births
3. Central African Republic: 80.5 deaths/1,000 live births
4. Equatorial Guinea: 77.4 deaths/1,000 live births
5. Sierra Leone: 71.2 deaths/1,000 live births
6. Niger: 64.3 deaths/1,000 live births
7. Chad: 62.5 deaths/1,000 live births
8. South Sudan: 60.1 deaths/1,000 live births
9. Mozambique: 58.2 deaths/1,000 live births
10. Mali: 57.4 deaths/1,000 live births

These countries face significant health and developmental challenges, with limited access to healthcare services, high poverty rates, and persistent conflict. Afghanistan, leading the list with over 100 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, suffers from decades of war and a lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure. Nations like Somalia and the Central African Republic also experience high rates due to similar factors, compounded by political instability and limited international support. The conditions in these countries make it difficult for mothers and infants to receive the care they need, contributing to these alarming statistics.

While global efforts are being made to reduce infant mortality, these nations highlight the vast disparities in healthcare access and maternal services. Improved sanitation, nutrition, and maternal health education could dramatically reduce these numbers. International organizations often focus on addressing these issues through vaccination programs, health education, and improved healthcare delivery systems to bring about positive change.

Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Infant Mortality Rate

1. Singapore: 1.5 deaths/1,000 live births
2. Slovenia: 1.5 deaths/1,000 live births
3. Iceland: 1.6 deaths/1,000 live births
4. Monaco: 1.7 deaths/1,000 live births
5. Norway: 1.8 deaths/1,000 live births
6. Japan: 1.9 deaths/1,000 live births
7. Belarus: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
8. Bermuda: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
9. Finland: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
10. Sweden: 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Countries with the lowest infant mortality rates, such as Singapore and Iceland, benefit from advanced healthcare systems and strong social support networks. Singapore’s universal healthcare system and its emphasis on maternal and child health have contributed to its top position, with just 1.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Similarly, countries like Slovenia, Norway, and Japan have made significant investments in healthcare, ensuring that mothers have access to prenatal care and that newborns receive early interventions when needed.

These low rates highlight the importance of well-funded healthcare systems, access to early medical interventions, and programs supporting maternal health. Governments in these countries often provide comprehensive healthcare services, from prenatal care to vaccinations and well-baby visits, contributing to these low mortality rates. These nations also emphasize health education, ensuring that both mothers and healthcare providers are well-prepared to address potential health issues from birth onward.

Global Infant Mortality Rate Distribution and Trends Over Time

The global distribution of infant mortality rates varies widely, with the highest rates concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia. These regions often face complex challenges, including poor healthcare access, inadequate nutrition, and limited educational resources for mothers. In contrast, countries in Europe, North America, and East Asia report significantly lower rates due to better health infrastructure, economic stability, and social safety nets.

Over time, the global infant mortality rate has been on a steady decline. Since the 1990s, concerted international efforts such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have led to significant improvements in healthcare access, vaccination programs, and maternal education. While there is still much work to be done, particularly in developing regions, these efforts have saved millions of infant lives and continue to shape policies worldwide.

Full Table (source: CIA 2024 est.)

FAQs

• What is the infant mortality rate of Afghanistan?
  • Afghanistan’s infant mortality rate is 101.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.

• Which country has the lowest infant mortality rate?
  • Singapore and Slovenia have the lowest infant mortality rates, both at 1.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.

• Which country has the highest infant mortality rate?
  • Afghanistan has the highest infant mortality rate at 101.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Source

• CIA The World Factbook Infant Mortality Rate