Estimated infant mortality per 1000 live births (world health report)

Data set notes

European Health for All database

Indicators: 565

Updated: 18 October 2024

Contact: Data and Digital Health Unit (DDH)

The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:

• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)

• FTE: full-time equivalent

• PP: physical persons

• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.

More information: http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/databases/european-health-for-all-database-hfa-db

Indicator notes

Estimated infant mortality per 1000 live births (world health report)
Indicator code: E070110.T

These estimates are made by WHO Headquarters using special techniques and are published in the annual World Health Reports. Data from various sources, including surveys, have been used when routine vital statistics were not available or were incomplete. They were also partially harmonized with survey-based estimates used by UNICEF and some other organizations.

These estimates may differ significantly from the official national figures for some countries where registration of deaths and births is incomplete. The difference can be seen by comparing with the indicator 1110 070100 “Infant deaths per 1000 live births” which is calculated using official mortality, population and live birth data as reported by countries to WHO.

Country/Area notes

No information

General notes

Understanding Estimated Infant Mortality Per 1000 Live Births

Infant mortality rates are a critical indicator of a nation's health and development status. The estimated infant mortality per 1000 live births, as reported in the World Health Report, provides a global perspective on the survival rate of infants during their first year of life. This metric not only reflects the direct impact of healthcare quality and accessibility but also highlights broader socio-economic conditions influencing infant health. By examining these figures, policymakers and health organizations can better allocate resources, implement targeted health interventions, and measure progress towards improving child survival rates worldwide.

Calculating Estimated Infant Mortality Per 1000 Live Births

The calculation of estimated infant mortality per 1000 live births involves a straightforward yet profound analysis of birth and death records. Health statisticians use data collected from hospitals, health facilities, and official registries to track the number of live births and infant deaths within a specific year. The formula used is: Infant Mortality Rate = (Number of Infant Deaths / Number of Live Births) * 1000. This calculation provides a standardized measure, allowing for comparisons across different regions and time periods, thereby helping identify trends and areas needing urgent health interventions.

The Significance of Monitoring Infant Mortality Rates

Tracking the estimated infant mortality rate is crucial for understanding health outcomes in the earliest stages of life. It serves as a fundamental measure of a country's public health status and is often used as a benchmark for international health comparisons. Lower infant mortality rates are associated with advanced medical technology, effective healthcare policies, and higher overall societal well-being. Conversely, higher rates may indicate issues such as inadequate maternal or infant health care, poor nutrition, or substandard living conditions. Thus, this indicator is vital for guiding health priorities and strategies at both national and global levels.

Strengths and Limitations of Infant Mortality Estimates

While the estimated infant mortality rate is a valuable health indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that influence its utility and accuracy.

Strengths

This metric is universally recognized and standardized, making it an essential tool for global health comparisons and trend analysis. It helps international organizations and governments assess health service effectiveness and prioritize resource allocation. Moreover, the data derived from these estimates can influence policy decisions, funding allocations, and program implementations aimed at reducing infant deaths and improving maternal health.

Limitations

However, the reliability of infant mortality estimates can vary significantly depending on the quality and completeness of vital registration systems. In regions where record-keeping is poor or births and deaths are not systematically registered, these estimates may not accurately reflect the true scenario. Additionally, the data does not account for the impact of temporary but significant events such as natural disasters, epidemics, or economic crises, which can temporarily alter mortality rates. Furthermore, cultural factors and local practices around birth and death reporting can also lead to underreporting or discrepancies in the data collected.

Understanding these strengths and limitations is crucial for interpreting the data correctly and for making informed decisions on public health strategies and interventions aimed at reducing infant mortality globally.