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The determinants of infant mortality in Pakistan
1Population Services International, Washington, DC 20036, USA. sagha@psiwash.org
Insights
Infant mortality in Pakistan remained high in the 1990s, with no decline in the 1980s. Socio-economic and gender inequities, linked to women's status, are the primary drivers of this stagnation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Demography
- Socioeconomics
Background:
- Infant mortality rates in Pakistan remained critically high until the early 1990s, with approximately 100 deaths per 1000 live births.
- Analysis indicates a lack of significant decline in infant mortality throughout the 1980s, suggesting persistent challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the key factors contributing to infant survival rates in Pakistan.
- To identify the underlying causes of stagnant infant mortality despite previous policy efforts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Pakistan Integrated Household Survey 1991, a nationally representative dataset.
- Conducted statistical analysis to examine differentials in infant survival based on socio-economic indicators and access to basic amenities.
Main Results:
- Significant disparities in infant survival were observed across different socio-economic groups.
- Lack of access to clean water and sanitation correlated strongly with higher infant mortality rates.
- Social and gender inequities were identified as fundamental causes for the stagnation in infant survival.
Conclusions:
- Addressing social and gender inequities is crucial for reducing infant mortality in Pakistan.
- Future health interventions must prioritize underserved populations, particularly women and children.
- Systematic evaluation of health programs is essential for effective future investments in child health.
Abstract:
This study examines factors associated with infant survival in Pakistan. It uses data from the Pakistan Integrated Household Survey 1991, a nationally representative sample survey of the Government of Pakistan, funded by the World Bank. The infant mortality rate was still very high in Pakistan until the early 1990s, at 100 deaths per 1000 live births. The study shows that there is no evidence of a secular decline in infant mortality during the 1980s. Large differentials in infant survival by socio-economic factors and access to water and sanitation indicate that social and gender inequities are the underlying cause of the stagnation of infant mortality in Pakistan. Economic and social policies of earlier decades have resulted in tremendous disparities in wealth and access to resources in Pakistan. The low social, economic and legal status of women is intimately tied to the well-being of their children. Health interventions in Pakistan should be designed to reach the most under-served: women and children. Systematic evaluations of health interventions will be necessary to make informed decisions about health investments in the future.