The infant mortality rate reflects the critical health outcomes for newborns, representing the number of deaths occurring in children under one year of age per 1,000 live births. This metric serves as a vital indicator of overall healthcare quality, maternal health, and socioeconomic conditions within a community. The data is typically drawn from surveys, such as Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which look at experiences spanning the preceding decade, while Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) may consider a more recent period of three to five years. High rates in this context reveal deeper systemic issues, including access to prenatal care, nutrition, sanitation, and education. Addressing these factors is essential for ensuring healthier beginnings and improving survival rates among infants.
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