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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

Joint Monitoring Framework (JMF)

The joint monitoring framework (JMF) is used for reporting on indicators under three monitoring frameworks: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Health 2020 and the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) 2013–2020. The Regional Committee for Europe adopted the JMF in September 2018.

The majority of JMF indicators in the Gateway are linked to existing databases in the Gateway.

Background documents

EUR/RC68/10 Rev.1 Briefing note on the expert group deliberations and recommended common set of indicators for a joint monitoring framework
http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/governance/regional-committee-for-europe/past-sessions/68th-session/documentation/working-documents/eurrc6810-

EUR/RC68(1): Joint monitoring framework in the context of the roadmap to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, building on Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being
http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/governance/regional-committee-for-europe/past-sessions/68th-session/documentation/resolutions/eurrc68d1

Developing a common set of indicators for the joint monitoring framework for SDGs, Health 2020 and the Global NCD Action Plan (2017)
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-policy/health-2020-the-european-policy-for-health-and-well-being/publications/2018/developing-a-common-set-of-indicators-for-the-joint-monitoring-framework-for-sdgs,-health-2020-and-the-global-ncd-action-plan-2017

Indicator notes

Neonatal deaths per 1000 live births
Indicator code: E070101.T This indicator shares the definition with the parent indicator \"\".

The numbers of deaths in infants under 28 days of age in a year.

Country/Area notes

No information

General notes

Understanding Neonatal Deaths per 1000 Live Births

Neonatal mortality rate, expressed as the number of neonatal deaths per 1000 live births, serves as a critical health indicator reflecting the health environment into which children are born and the effectiveness of prenatal and postnatal care. This rate is particularly significant as it focuses on deaths within the first 28 days of life, a period when infants are most vulnerable. Monitoring these figures helps in identifying public health priorities, allocating resources effectively, and formulating strategies to improve maternal and child health services, thereby reducing preventable neonatal deaths.

Calculating Neonatal Deaths per 1000 Live Births

The calculation of neonatal deaths per 1000 live births is straightforward yet profound in its implications for public health. It involves dividing the number of neonatal deaths in a given year by the number of live births in the same year, and then multiplying the result by 1000. This statistical measure provides a clear picture of the neonatal mortality rate, enabling health professionals and policymakers to gauge the effectiveness of healthcare interventions aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health services.

The Significance of Neonatal Mortality Rates

Understanding neonatal mortality rates is crucial for health systems worldwide. These rates not only reflect the immediate health status of a population's youngest members but also indicate broader socio-economic conditions, including maternal health, quality and accessibility of medical care, and public health practices. Lower neonatal mortality rates are often indicative of effective healthcare systems and vice versa. Thus, tracking these rates helps in assessing the impact of health policies and interventions over time, guiding necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

Strengths and Limitations of Neonatal Mortality Data

While neonatal mortality rates are invaluable for health monitoring and planning, they come with their own set of strengths and limitations that influence their utility and accuracy.

Strengths

One of the primary strengths of neonatal mortality data is its ability to provide a standardized health indicator that is internationally recognized, allowing for comparisons across different regions and time periods. This data helps in identifying trends and disparities in infant health, which is crucial for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation. Additionally, it is instrumental in motivating improvements in prenatal and postnatal care services, thereby directly influencing policy decisions and healthcare practices.

Limitations

However, the reliability of neonatal mortality rates can be compromised by factors such as discrepancies in how deaths and live births are reported and recorded. In regions with less developed healthcare infrastructures, underreporting of both births and deaths can lead to inaccuracies in calculated mortality rates. Furthermore, these rates do not account for the socio-economic and cultural factors that significantly impact neonatal health, such as maternal education, access to healthcare, and nutritional status. Therefore, while neonatal mortality rates are a powerful tool for global health assessment, they must be interpreted within the broader context of each region's specific conditions and challenges.

In conclusion, while neonatal mortality rates are a fundamental component of public health assessment, understanding their calculation, significance, strengths, and limitations is essential for their effective use in improving global health outcomes.