Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of deaths of children, less than one year. There are many causes for it; some predominant causes include congenital malformation, infection and SIDS, while infanticide, abuse, abandonment, and neglect may also be a factor. There is a consistent decrease in child mortality rate since last two decades; still Pakistan has the lowest reduction rate of child mortality in Asia.
Poor social conditions and lack of government interest is causing the increased spread of these diseases. Many of these diseases spread due to pollution and mismanagement of government services. A number of pregnant women lose their child before reaching a hospital. There should be proper awareness among people, especially in rural areas and good public transport facilities to avoid this. There should be a nationwide training program for doctors to spread awareness about handling pregnancy cases in order to reduce infant mortality.
FARWA SAJJAD,
Karachi, May 13.