Child Mortality in Iraq: Problems Being Faced
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Problem 1: Overall Mortality Rate
Even though the mortality rate for children under 5 in Iraq has decreased quite a bit, the country is still fairly shy of its 2015 goal of 17 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2011, the statistic was 35 deaths per 1,000 live births, almost double the 2015 goal. The cause of this is partially due to where the birth takes place. Mortality rates are much less for children in urban areas than for those in rural areas. Technology is less advanced in these areas, and it is not as easy to have a sterile environment with the proper caretakers nearby to aid in the birth of a child. The solution to this problem is not something that can happen overnight; volunteers must be found that are willing to come to this country and set up buildings and environments where birth can be safe for both the mother and the child. If a hospital is close by, it would be easy and sensible for a mother in labor to go there rather than try and have her baby at home or wherever she happens to be at the time she goes into labor.
Even though the mortality rate for children under 5 in Iraq has decreased quite a bit, the country is still fairly shy of its 2015 goal of 17 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2011, the statistic was 35 deaths per 1,000 live births, almost double the 2015 goal. The cause of this is partially due to where the birth takes place. Mortality rates are much less for children in urban areas than for those in rural areas. Technology is less advanced in these areas, and it is not as easy to have a sterile environment with the proper caretakers nearby to aid in the birth of a child. The solution to this problem is not something that can happen overnight; volunteers must be found that are willing to come to this country and set up buildings and environments where birth can be safe for both the mother and the child. If a hospital is close by, it would be easy and sensible for a mother in labor to go there rather than try and have her baby at home or wherever she happens to be at the time she goes into labor.
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Problem 2: Uneducated Mothers
Studies have also shown that "mortality rates are also related to the level of education of the mother." [undp.org] The kids that are born to mothers without an education have a higher chance of dying before their 1st birthday. Mothers educated about basic health and safety give their babies a much better chance of survival. The solution to this problem is to find a way to educate mothers about vaccinations, proper procedures during pregnancy and birth, etc. An organization could travel to different parts of the country and give lectures, hand out pamphlets, and answer questions to educate parents more thoroughly for childbirth.
Studies have also shown that "mortality rates are also related to the level of education of the mother." [undp.org] The kids that are born to mothers without an education have a higher chance of dying before their 1st birthday. Mothers educated about basic health and safety give their babies a much better chance of survival. The solution to this problem is to find a way to educate mothers about vaccinations, proper procedures during pregnancy and birth, etc. An organization could travel to different parts of the country and give lectures, hand out pamphlets, and answer questions to educate parents more thoroughly for childbirth.
Source: http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/mdgoverview/