On reducing the infant mortality rate

Paragraph “a” of Clause 1 of Presidential Executive Order No. 598 of May 7, 2012 On Improving State Policy in Healthcare sets the goal of reducing by 2018 the infant mortality rate to 7.5 per 1,000 live births, primarily in the regions where it is currently high.

The Government has reported that the Healthcare Development programme, approved by Government Directive No. 2511-r of December 24, 2012, stipulates measures to improve preventive treatment and early detection of diseases and the provision of medical assistance to people. The regions’ executive authorities have drafted action plans (roadmaps) to strengthen the effectiveness of healthcare, which set out performance targets, including mortality rates in each region.

The Ministry of Healthcare conducts monthly monitoring of the infant mortality rate in the regions.

The leading federal obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatal and pediatric facilities help the regions having a high infant mortality rate to monitor the provision of medical services to mothers and children, including via telemedical consultations, to provide administrative and methods assistance and also to help the regions draft measures aimed at reducing the infant mortality rate.

In January-Julye this year, the infant mortality rate dropped by 3.6%, from 8.6 to 8.3 per 1,000 live births, in comparison with the same period of last year.