Write an essay discussing High Infant mortality rates in Kenya.
Solved by verified expertAccording to the World Bank, Kenya’s infant mortality rate was 36.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019. This rate is higher than the Sub-Saharan African average of 42.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. The high infant mortality rate in Kenya can be attributed to several factors, including poverty, limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and inadequate water and sanitation facilities. These factors contribute to the high prevalence of infectious diseases, such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, which are major causes of infant mortality in Kenya.
Poverty is one of the leading causes of infant mortality in Kenya. Many families living in poverty struggle to provide adequate healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation for their children. This leads to hi
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Another factor contributing to high infant mortality rates in Kenya is limited access to healthcare. The country has a shortage of healthcare professionals and facilities, particularly in rural areas. This means that many families have to travel long distances to access medical care, which can be challenging and expensive. Additionally, some families may be unable to afford the cost of medical treatment, which means that infants do not receive the care they need.
Malnutrition is another significant contributor to infant mortality in Kenya. A high percentage of infants in the country are malnourished, which weakens their immune systems and makes them more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Malnutrition also affects children’s cognitive development and physical growth, which can have long-term consequences for their health and well-being.
Inadequate water and sanitation facilities are also contributing factors to high infant mortality rates in Kenya. Poor water quality and lack of sanitation increase the risk of infectious diseases, such as cholera and diarrhea, which can be fatal for infants. Additionally, inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to the spread of diseases, which can affect the entire community.
To address the high infant mortality rate in Kenya, the government and other stakeholders are implementing several measures. These include increasing access to healthcare services, improving nutrition and sanitation, and promoting maternal and child health. The government has also initiated vaccination campaigns to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and implemented policies to improve maternal and child health.
In conclusion, the high infant mortality rate in Kenya is a significant concern for policymakers and stakeholders in the health sector. Poverty, limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and inadequate water and sanitation facilities are contributing factors to this issue. To address this problem, the government and other stakeholders are implementing measures to increase access to healthcare services, improve nutrition and sanitation, and promote maternal and child health. It is hoped that these efforts will reduce infant mortality rates in the country and improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
