Infant mortality rate in developing countries is higher because of:

Infant mortality rate in developing countries is higher because of:

• A. Excellent healthcare systems.
• B. Poor healthcare systems and poor nutrition.
• C. High literacy rates.
• D. Strong immunization programs.

Answer: (B)

Infant mortality is strongly tied to the level of healthcare available to mothers and newborns, along with the nutrition infants receive. In developing countries, limited access to prenatal and postnatal care, a shortage of skilled birth attendants, and higher rates of malnutrition and infectious diseases mean babies are more vulnerable to complications and illnesses that can be deadly in the first year of life. When systems for clean water, sanitation, vaccines, and adequate nutrition are weak, infant deaths rise. Conversely, excellent healthcare, high literacy, and robust immunization programs help reduce infant mortality, so they do not explain higher rates.

Infant mortality is strongly tied to the level of healthcare available to mothers and newborns, along with the nutrition infants receive. In developing countries, limited access to prenatal and postnatal care, a shortage of skilled birth attendants, and higher rates of malnutrition and infectious diseases mean babies are more vulnerable to complications and illnesses that can be deadly in the first year of life. When systems for clean water, sanitation, vaccines, and adequate nutrition are weak, infant deaths rise. Conversely, excellent healthcare, high literacy, and robust immunization programs help reduce infant mortality, so they do not explain higher rates.