This brief article is a continuation of the detailed overview of countries with the highest infant mortality rates worldwide. If you want to learn about the driving factors behind such saddening stats of child deaths, read 20 Countries with Highest Rates of Infant Mortality.
8. South Sudan
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 61.63
Infant mortality in South Sudan is distressingly high as the country’s healthcare standards are woefully low. Persistent efforts are required globally to alleviate these conditions, reduce infant mortality, and ensure South Sudan’s most vulnerable citizens have the opportunity for a healthy start in life.
7. Chad
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 63.99
Chad’s infant mortality is also amongst the highest in the world because of its harsh climate and poverty. These situations make living in Chad hard, and when paired with looming poverty, the country’s healthcare system struggles with sparse resources, geographical disparities, and ongoing conflict that hamper timely immunization and prenatal care.
6. Niger
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 65.53
While Niger has the highest under-five mortality rate, its infant mortality rate is the 6th highest in the world, currently standing at 65.53 deaths per 1000 live births. Pervasive poverty and poor health facilities are again the leading causes of such a sad state of affairs in Niger. Also disproportionately affected are remote communities, where distance and lack of transportation hinder access to vital healthcare services. Improvement requires urgent interventions that prioritize resource allocation for maternal and infant healthcare.
5. Sierra Leone
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 72.3
Sierra Leone is the 6th poorest country in Africa, with a meager GDP of $4 billion and its infant mortality rate is 72.3. Post-civil war and Ebola recovery efforts in the country highlighted the dire need for improved prenatal and neonatal care. Also, other contributing factors to such high death stats include insufficient access to quality healthcare services, as the country only had 3 doctors per 100,000 people as of 2018.
4. Equatorial Guinea
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 77.85
Equatorial Guinea’s high infant mortality rate reflects broader systemic healthcare deficiencies that stem from intense poverty. While resource-rich, the nation suffers from stark socioeconomic disparity and needs efforts to improve healthcare. Investment in infrastructure, professional development, and equitable healthcare delivery can reduce this alarming mortality rate.
3. Central African Republic
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 81.74
The Central African Republic is the 2nd poorest country in Africa and is currently battling with one of the highest infant mortality rates worldwide. Currently, 81.74 deaths per 1,000 births happen in the country, a symptom of its poor health facilities. Amidst political instability, improving healthcare standards is inevitable to address this humanitarian crisis in CAR.
2. Somalia
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 85.06
Somalia’s infant mortality rate is 85.06 deaths per 1,000 births, a stark indicator of bad quality of life in the country. Political instability and long-standing poverty further strain Somalia’s healthcare system. The country has an estimated 2 physicians per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold.
1. Afghanistan
Infant Deaths Per 1000 Live Births: 103.06
Afghanistan tops the list of countries with the highest rates of infant mortality because persistent warfare has decimated its infrastructure. The country’s infant mortality rate is 103.06 deaths per 1,000 births, tragic proof of its ongoing destructive state of affairs. Coupled with poor health literacy and high rates of adolescent motherhood, these factors increase the death risk for infants and mark a pressing humanitarian crisis.
Insider Monkey newsletter is your reliable source for fresh and insightful information. Dive into a world of informed decision-making, and unlock your financial potential by joining a community of savvy investors. If you want to learn more about the world’s living conditions and the prospects of good life quality that other countries offer, read 25 Countries with the Best Quality of Life and 25 Countries with the Best Hospitals in the World.
