IMR, acronym for "Infant Mortality Rate," refers to a statistical measure used to estimate the number of deaths per 1,000 live births in a specific geographic area or population during the first year of life. The IMR primarily focuses on the death occurring in infants, typically aged under one year, thereby serving as an essential indicator of the overall health and well-being of a community or country.
To calculate the IMR, the total number of deaths occurring in infants under one year of age is divided by the total number of live births during the same period. This rate is then multiplied by 1,000 to express the result as the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The IMR, often presented as a perinatal mortality rate (combining fetal deaths and infant deaths) or neonatal mortality rate (covering deaths within the first 28 days after birth), aids in providing insights into the quality of healthcare infrastructure, access to medical services, and overall socio-economic conditions of a given population.
IMR is considered a significant health indicator globally, as high IMR values typically reflect inadequate healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, malnutrition, and socioeconomic inequalities. Conversely, low IMR values indicate better access to healthcare services, improved infant care practices, and overall societal well-being. Monitoring IMR and its associated trends enables policymakers and healthcare professionals to assess the effectiveness of various health interventions, implement targeted strategies, and strive to reduce infant mortality rates.
