Under-5 mortality in China,1996–2012
January 20th, 2016
In 2012, the lowest provincial level under-5 mortality rate in China was about five per 1000 livebirths, lower than in Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.
The highest provincial level under-5 mortality rate in China was higher than that of Bangladesh.
29 provinces achieved a decrease in under-5 mortality rates twice as fast as the MDG 4 (Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 ) target rate;
The reduction of under-5 mortality rates in China at the country, provincial, and county level is an extraordinary success story. Reductions of under-5 mortality rates faster than 8·8% (twice MDG 4 pace) are possible. Extremely rapid declines seem to be related to public policy in addition to socioeconomic progress. Lessons from successful counties should prove valuable for China to intensify efforts for those with unacceptably high under-5 mortality rates.