What does the infant mortality rate (IMR) measure?

The infant mortality rate (IMR) specifically measures the number of infants who die before reaching one year of age, per 1,000 live births in a given year. This statistic is significant because it serves as an important indicator of the overall health and well-being of a population, reflecting factors such as the accessibility and quality of healthcare, maternal health, nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions in a region.

When analyzing global health trends, a lower IMR often indicates better health care systems and higher living standards, while a higher IMR suggests significant challenges facing a population. By accurately capturing the mortality of infants—a particularly vulnerable demographic—the IMR helps policymakers and public health officials target resources and interventions effectively to improve neonatal health outcomes.