The Republic of Moldova is facing a sensitive and alarming indicator of public health: infant mortality. Although the authorities have invested in recent years in the modernization of perinatal centers and in the training of medical staff, the death rate among children under one year old remains high, and recent data indicate a slight increase. According to the latest official data available, the infant mortality rate is 3 times higher in Moldova than in the European Union.
According to the information provided by the Ministry of Health at the request of IPN, infant mortality reflects not only the quality of medical services, but also the general level of socio-economic development of the country. Moreover, international statistics show that Moldova is significantly behind the countries of the European Union, where substantial investments in health have led to a significant decrease in this indicator.
Boys, more vulnerable at birth
A lesser-known aspect, but confirmed by international data, is the fact that infant mortality is higher among boys. According to the World Health Organization, the neonatal death rate for male newborns is 10-20% higher than for girls, a phenomenon explained by biological and genetic factors, which make them more vulnerable in the first months of life.
The trend is also observed in Moldova. The National Bureau of Statistics shows that, in 2023, the infant mortality rate was 11.2 deaths per thousand live-born boys, compared to 8.7 deaths in the case of girls.
Prematurity and perinatal conditions – main causes
The Ministry of Health specifies that, in 2024, the most common causes of infant deaths in Moldova were perinatal period conditions, over 59 percent, congenital malformations, nearly 24 percent, and respiratory system diseases, almost 10 percent. Prematurity remains one of the most significant risk factors, associated with increased mortality among newborns.
To prevent these situations, in the last three years, 12 perinatal centers across the country have been modernized, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund and external partners. The centers have been equipped with incubators, neonatal ventilators, modern monitoring equipment, and state-of-the-art medical devices. Additionally, the intensive care units and delivery rooms have been completely renovated.
Million investments, but challenges persist
The total value of the investments amounts to approximately 4 million dollars. Specialized ambulances were also purchased, and the resuscitation vehicles for the transport of critically ill newborns were made available to the National Consultative and Interhospital Transfer Service.
At the same time, the authorities have introduced a standardized protocol for antenatal care, aimed at improving pregnancy monitoring and preventing complications. Pregnant women benefit from counseling on hygiene, nutrition, avoiding risk factors, and recognizing warning signs.
However, the infant mortality rate slightly increased in 2023, reaching 10 deaths per thousand live births, compared to 9 in the previous year. In absolute numbers, 240 children under one year old lost their lives in Moldova in 2023, three fewer than in 2022.
Significant differences between regions
The statistics indicate a significant discrepancy between regions. The lowest infant mortality rates were recorded in the districts of Briceni, Soldanesti, Cimislia, Telenesti, and in the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti. On the other hand, the most severe situations were reported in Donduseni, Sangerei, Hancesti, and Edinet, where the infant mortality rate exceeded 15 deaths per thousand live births.
Significant differences between regions
Globally, UN data shows that the number of deaths among children under five years old reached a historic low in 2022. However, it is estimated that 4.9 million children died before reaching the age of five, equivalent to one death every six seconds.
Experts warn that improving child survival is not exclusively dependent on the health system, but also requires community interventions, access to basic medical services, education, and safe living conditions.
In the Republic of Moldova, authorities are banking on the modernization of medical infrastructure, continuous training of staff, and collaboration with international partners to reduce infant mortality. At the same time, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that parental involvement, population education, and prevention of risk factors during pregnancy and in the first years of life remain essential in the fight to save the lives of the smallest members of society.