The rise of infant deaths has been occurring most commonly during the child’s first 28 days of life
AN ALARMING number of infant deaths has led to one state declaring a public health emergency.
The state’s Department of Health reported that its infant mortality rate has risen to its highest level in over a decade.
Mississippi reported 9.7 infants died for every 1,000 born, which is almost double the national average of 5.6 deaths, according to the Department of Health.
Since 2014, 3,527 babies have died before turning a year old.
“Too many Mississippi families are losing their babies before their first birthday,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said in a press release.
Edney said the issue is close to his heart, as he’s a father and a grandfather.
“Declaring this a public health emergency is more than a policy decision; it is an urgent commitment to save lives,” he continued.
“Mississippi has the knowledge, the resources and the resilience to change this story.
“It will take all of us — policymakers, healthcare providers, communities and families — working together to give every child the chance to live, thrive and celebrate their first birthday.”
The leading cause of death for infants, which includes those under the age of one, is congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The rise of infant deaths has been occurring most commonly during the child’s first 28 days of life.
“Improving maternal health is the best way to reduce infant mortality,” Dr. Edney added.
“That means better access to prenatal and postpartum care, stronger community support and more resources for moms and babies.
“Healthy women of childbearing age are more likely to have healthy pregnancies, which in turn lead to healthier babies.”
Almost half of the counties in Mississippi are deemed maternity care deserts, leaving expecting mothers with little help during pregnancy, according to March of Dimes.
“The Mississippi Department of Health’s declaration of a public health emergency in response to infant mortality is a painful reminder of the maternal and infant health crisis facing our nation,” Cindy Rahman, the president and CEO of March of Dimes, said in a statement.
Source: https://www.the-sun.com/health/15052691/mississippi-infant-deaths-state-of-emergency/
