Why does Australia have a low infant mortality rate?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 18, 2026
There was a considerable decline in infant mortality during the 20th century, particularly in the first half, largely due to improvements in prenatal and postnatal care, declines in infectious diseases, improved sanitation, drug development, mass vaccination and improvements in birth conditions (United Nations 1998).
What is the main reason behind the lower number of infant deaths?
Birth defects. Preterm birth and low birth weight. Injuries (e.g., suffocation). Sudden infant death syndrome.
How does Australia's infant mortality rate compare to that of the world?
In 2016, Australia's infant death rate (3.1 per 1,000) ranked equal 12th (alongside Israel, Denmark and Austria) out of 36 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (Figure 6). This was ahead of the OECD average (3.9 per 1,000).
What is the infant mortality in Australia?
In 2019, the infant mortality in Australia was at about 3.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Which country has the lowest infant mortality rate?
Infant Mortality
33 out of 36 countries (Figure 62). Iceland is ranked No. 1 and has the lowest rate with 0.7 deaths per 1,000 live births.
42 related questions foundWhy does Japan have the lowest infant mortality rate?
Japan's infant mortality rate in 1991 was four per 1,000, the lowest in the world. Contributing factors are the universal use of the Boshi Kenko Techo (maternal-child health handbook) and universal access to care. Most births occur to women aged 25-29 years and there are few unmarried mothers.
Why do some countries have high infant mortality rates?
The major causes of infant death in developed countries, which tends to occur in the neonatal period, are low birth weight, prematurity, birth complications, and congenital defects; developing countries; they are vaccine preventable infectious diseases, diarrhea and dehydration, and respiratory illnesses, all ...
Is infant mortality rate decreasing?
The U.S. infant mortality rate has improved over time
From 2007 to 2017, the U.S. infant mortality rate dropped by 14 percent (from 6.75 to 5.79 infant deaths per 1,000 live births).
What is Australia's infant mortality in 2021?
The infant mortality rate for Australia in 2021 was 2.882 deaths per 1000 live births, a 2.54% decline from 2020.
Why has there been a decline in infant mortality rates over the past 3 decades?
There was a considerable decline in infant mortality during the 20th century, particularly in the first half, largely due to improvements in prenatal and postnatal care, declines in infectious diseases, improved sanitation, drug development, mass vaccination and improvements in birth conditions (United Nations 1998).
Why is aware of infant mortality rate important?
The infant mortality rate is regarded as a highly sensitive measure of population health because there is an association between the causes of infant mortality and other factors that influence the status of whole populations such as economic development, general living conditions, social well-being, rates of illness, ...
What country has the highest infant death rate?
Many countries with high infant mortality rates also have high birth rates and fertility rates. Afghanistan has the highest infant mortality rate of 110.6.
Why does Japan have a low SIDS rate?
According to Evolutionary Parenting, Japan has significant lower rates of maternal smoking and alcohol consumption — and research has shown that maternal smoking has a direct relation to SIDS. Factors like these could have a direct influence on the lowered SIDS rate for Asian children.
What is a major cause of infant mortality worldwide?
The leading causes of infant mortality worldwide include preterm birth complications, intrapartum related events, sepsis or meningitis, and congenital abnormalities.
What is the leading cause of death in Australia 2021?
Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia.
What is the under 5 mortality rate in Australia?
Mortality rate, under-5 (per 1,000 live births) in Australia was reported at 3.7 % in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources.
Why does Finland have the lowest infant mortality rate?
There are multiple factors contributing to Finland's low infant mortality, including maternity and child health clinic services, family policy, medical advancements, improved nutrition and hygiene, and increased wealth.
Where does US rank in infant mortality rate?
Infant Mortality
At 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, the United States ranks No. 33 out of 36 OECD countries (Figure 24).
How do babies sleep in Japan?
In Japan, many parents sleep next to their baby on bamboo or straw mats, or on futons. Some parents simply room-share by putting the baby in a crib or bassinet that is kept within arm's reach of the bed. Most cultures that routinely practice cosleeping, in any form, have very rare instances of SIDS.
How common is SIDS in Canada?
SIDS is rare before one month of age, peaks at 2 to 4 months, and is also rare after one year of age. It takes the life of 1 of every 2,000 live-born babies in Canada. Babies of aboriginal background are at greater risk of SIDS. It is estimated that three babies die of SIDS every week in Canada.
Why is SIDS higher in US?
The U.S. infant mortality rate is consistently higher than in other developed countries. Research indicates that socioeconomic inequality in the United States is likely a primary contributor to its higher infant mortality rate.
Why do pacifiers prevent SIDS?
Sucking on a pacifier requires forward positioning of the tongue, thus decreasing this risk of oropharyngeal obstruction. The influence of pacifier use on sleep position may also contribute to its apparent protective effect against SIDS.
Why is infant mortality so high in Afghanistan?
Conflict, poverty, poor health services and low levels of female education and rights combined to produce extremely high mortality rates for Afghan newborns, older infants and very young children.
Is a high or low mortality rate good?
Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, the HAQ Index is scaled from 0 to 100: lower scores indicate high mortality rates for these causes, while higher scores indicate lower mortality rates and thus better quality of and access to health care.