The Problem

Developing countries face much higher infant mortality rates that developed countries. This is generally due to lower quality medical care. In order to combat this issue, lets take a closer look at the underlying issues developing countries face. The top three causes of infant mortality in developing countries were identified as infectious diseases, birth asphyxia, and birth defects. In developing countries, up to 20% of all newborns acquire an infection within one month, with up to 40% of newborn deaths stemming from these infections (Bale, 2003). Birth asphyxia refers to a newborn’s inability to breathe normally, and accounts for approximately 23% of newborn deaths (WHO, 2011). This is most commonly associated with premature births or complications during birth. Birth defects are the third most common birth issues and can generally be categorized as having either genetic or environmental origin (Bale, 2003). There are a wide variety of possible birth defects, showing especially high prevalence in developing countries. All of the mentioned birth issues are still found in developed countries, but the availability of high-quality medical care has been crucial for reducing their effects. Developing countries tend to lack medical infrastructure, and many expecting mothers choose to deliver their baby at home. Developed nations need to identify and enact strategies to reduce newborn mortality rates with these underlying factors in mind.

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Bale, J. R., Stoll, B. J., & Lucas, A. O. (2003). Improving birth outcomes: Meeting the challenge in the developing world. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

WHO. (2011, October 13). Newborn death and illness. Retrieved April 5, 2019, from https://www.who.int/pmnch/media/press_materials/fs/fs_newborndealth_illness/en/