børnedødelighed

Børnedødelighed, also known as child mortality, refers to the death of children before their fifth birthday. It is a critical indicator of a nation's health and socioeconomic development. High rates of child mortality are often linked to factors such as poverty, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient healthcare services, including vaccinations and maternal care. Infectious diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and measles are significant contributors to deaths in young children, particularly in low-income countries.

Global efforts to reduce child mortality have seen considerable progress over the past few decades. Improvements in public health interventions, such as widespread vaccination campaigns, oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea, and access to antibiotics for pneumonia, have played a vital role. Furthermore, increased access to skilled birth attendants, prenatal and postnatal care, and nutritional support for mothers and children have also contributed to declining rates.

Despite this progress, substantial disparities remain between and within countries. While many developed nations have very low rates of child mortality, some of the highest rates are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. Addressing these remaining challenges requires continued investment in healthcare systems, poverty reduction strategies, education, and the promotion of healthy environments for children. Monitoring child mortality rates is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of public health policies and identifying areas where further intervention is needed.