Abstract

LOZANO-ASCENCIO, Rafael  and  SANTOS-PRECIADO, José Ignacio. Mortality in Mexican children under five in 2004: towards meeting the millenium development goals. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2005, vol.62, n.6, pp.406-420. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. For Mexico, to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and particularly Goal number 4, relative to fewer than 5 mortality, has multiple implications. In order to reduce under 5 mortality from 46 to 15.2 per 1 000 live births mortality, multiple public health actions have to be undertaken in a coordinated fashion by all of the institutions that conform the National Health System. Materials and methods. Estimates by the National Population Council (CONAPO) were analyzed. The data base of registered deaths compiled by the National Institute for Geography and Health Statistics and the Ministry of Health between 1990-2002 and for 2004 were also reviewed and analyzed. Results. According to CONAPO estimates, in 1990 under 5 mortality in Mexico City (Federal District) was 28.4 per 1 000 live births, while in the State of Chiapas the rate was 65; that is 2.3 times higher risk of dying in this region of the country. In 2004 the figures for these 2 Federal entities had dropped significantly to 14.4 and 26.3 respectively, lowering the difference in risk to 1.8 for the latter, yet still leaving Chiapas in greater risk. At present, the primary causes of under 5 mortality include perinatal causes, congenital malformations, lesions and accidents. Although infectious diseases as a cause of death have been significantly reduced, at a National level, they still appear in the top causes of mortality in children under 5. Conclusion. Mexico is among the few countries in the correct or adequate path for reducing under 5 mortality. Nevertheless, there are still significant obstacles that need to be resolved and challenges to be addressed. The compression of the infant mortality and the gap among states is undoubtedly one of the most important issues to be addressed in the immediate future.

Keywords : Millenium Development Goals; under 5 mortality in Mexico; compression of the infant mortality; Ministry of Health; CONAPO; INEGI.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )