Reducible infant mortality in provinces of Argentina. Differentials within the country between 2010 and 2014

Abstract

This paper analyzes infant mortality from a biomedical perspective. We studied neonatal and postneonatal mortality in Argentine provinces to visualize differences within the country. Also, experts pointed out that it is at this point where measures and strategies can be directed in order to guarantee the health of children before their first year of life. This is a quantitative descriptive study for which secondary sources were provided by the National Health Ministry. Proportions and rates of neonatal and postneonatal infant mortality between 2010 and 2014 were elaborated for each jurisdiction in Argentina. Reducible deaths represent a large part of neonatal (40%) and postneonatal (50%) deaths in most provinces. The rates are descreasing at the national level with a broader distribution in the neonatal component and more variable over the years than the postneonatal component, which are not only lower, but their distribution remained stable. In both cases, the highest rates were observed in the northeast of the country.