Top 15 Countries with high infant mortality rates in Africa

Infant mortality, defined as the death of babies under the age of one year, is a key indicator of the overall health of a country’s population. In Africa, many countries unfortunately still have very high rates of infant mortality compared to global averages. This is often tied to poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, the prevalence of preventable diseases, and high rates of malnutrition.InformationGuideNigeria

Looking at the latest data from the United Nations and the World Bank, these are the 15 African countries with the highest rates of infant mortality.

1. Somalia (85.06 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Somalia has the highest infant mortality rate in Africa, with over 85 deaths per 1,000 live births. This extremely high rate is indicative of the poor state of healthcare and infrastructure in the country after decades of conflict. Access to medical facilities is very limited, with less than 2 doctors available for every 10,000 people. Preventable conditions like diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria are the leading causes of death. Malnutrition also contributes, with high stunting rates among children under 5 years old.

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2. Central African Republic (81.74 deaths per 1,000 live births)

The Central African Republic (CAR) has the second highest rate at 81.74 deaths per 1,000 births. Healthcare availability is extremely poor, with less than 1 doctor for every 10,000 people. Years of political instability and conflict have damaged health infrastructure. Diseases like measles, malaria, and respiratory infections are major childhood killers. Malnutrition is also common, driven by food insecurity and poverty.

3. Equatorial Guinea (77.85 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Equatorial Guinea ranks third in Africa for infant mortality despite being a major oil producer. Wealth is very unevenly distributed and does not reach most of the population. Many cannot access proper sanitation facilities, healthcare, immunizations, and nutrition. Leading causes of death include preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia, and malaria.Top 15 Countries with high infant mortality rates in Africa

4. Sierra Leone (72.3 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Sierra Leone has the fourth-highest infant mortality rate in Africa. While the civil war and the Ebola crisis disrupted the healthcare system, ongoing challenges remain. Only around 15% of births are attended by skilled professionals. Maternal health and nutrition are poor. Causes of infant mortality include pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and neonatal conditions.14 Best Female Coaches of all Time

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5. Niger (65.53 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Niger is the fifth-ranked country in Africa for infant deaths. It faces challenges in accessing clean water, sanitation facilities, childhood immunizations, and quality nutrition. Over 40% of children are chronically malnourished. Dirty conditions, infectious diseases, premature births, and asphyxia during delivery are major causes of death for infants.

6. Chad (63.99 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Infant mortality rates in Chad are the sixth highest on the continent. Chad faces issues with child malnutrition, maternal health, poverty, and lack of sanitation or medical facilities. Malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and preterm births are common killers of babies. More than 80% of Chad’s population lives in poverty.

7. South Sudan (61.63 deaths per 1,000 live births)

As the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan unsurprisingly struggles with infant death rates, ranked seventh highest in Africa. After decades of conflict, much of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure is destroyed or non-functional. Preventable conditions like diarrhea, malaria, and respiratory infections account for most infant deaths. Malnutrition is also widespread.15 Best Home Remedies in Nigeria

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8. Mozambique (59.77 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Mozambique ranks eighth for infant mortality in Africa. While poverty and lack of infrastructure play a role, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has also been a major factor. Up to 13% of the population is HIV positive. Many infant deaths are tied to mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition are also leading causes.105 Good Morning My Love Messages

9. Democratic Republic of the Congo (58.12 deaths per 1,000 live births)

The DRC has the ninth-highest infant mortality rate on the continent. Very low rates of skilled birth attendance and poor availability of emergency obstetric care contribute to many preventable deaths. Childhood immunization rates are also low. Malnutrition, malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea are the leading causes of death in Congolese infants.

10. Mali (58.99 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Mali has the tenth-highest infant mortality rate in Africa. It faces challenges in access to family planning, prenatal care, and skilled birth attendants. Only about one-third of births occur in health facilities. Leading causes of death include preterm birth complications, infections, and asphyxia. High malnutrition rates also put infants at risk.200 Romantic Message for Her

11. Angola (57.2 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Angola’s infant mortality rate ranks eleventh highest on the continent. Weak healthcare infrastructure and low numbers of trained medical providers are major issues. Diarrhea, malaria, respiratory infections, and vaccine-preventable diseases impact many infants. Undernutrition also leaves over a quarter of Angolan children stunted.

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12. Comoros (56.01 deaths per 1,000 live births)

The small island nation of Comoros has the twelfth highest rate of infant mortality in Africa. Poverty, food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and inadequate sanitation all contribute to infant deaths. Tropical diseases like malaria are common, as are respiratory infections and diarrhea. Low birth weight and premature births are also concerns.NYSC Portal

13. Nigeria (55.17 deaths per 1,000 live births)

As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria sees a high total number of infant deaths annually even though its mortality rate is lower than other countries on this list. Under-resourced healthcare facilities and large disparities between urban and rural areas impact infant mortality. Leading causes include birth complications, infections, and malnutrition.

14. Benin (54.33 deaths per 1,000 live births)

In Benin, the fourteenth highest infant mortality rate in Africa is driven largely by high neonatal mortality in the first 28 days of life. This is impacted by poor maternal health and inadequate newborn care. Newborns face risks of infections, asphyxia, and complications from low birth weight or prematurity.

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15. Malawi (53.99 deaths per 1,000 live births)

Rounding out the list with the fifteenth worst infant mortality is Malawi. Preventable causes of death include diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles, and perinatal conditions. Undernourishment contributes, with over a third of Malawian children stunted in growth. Access to healthcare is limited, especially in rural regions.JAMB Portal

Conclusion

Many African nations still face major challenges with high infant death rates compared to global figures. Poverty, conflict, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of skilled providers, and preventable infectious diseases are common contributing factors across these countries. Continued efforts and funding focused on improving maternal and newborn care, increasing immunization, reducing malnutrition, and strengthening health systems could help lower infant mortality rates across the continent. Strong national commitments and strategic partnerships can help African countries make strides in saving the lives of more children under age one.

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