Assessing Feto-Infant Mortality in the Republic of Moldova: Institute of Mother and Child 2008-2013
Location: Moldova
Alumni: Samantha Adams
Faculty: Brian McCarthy
Feto-infant mortality is a strong indicator of the overall health and well-being of a country due to its sensitivity to societal, economic, and political changes. The Institute of Mother and Child continuously aims to improve the maternal and child health outcomes of their patients. Despite political, economic, and societal obstacles, the IMC staff continues to invest in the development of their health system and their feto-infant mortality rate continues to improve. From 2008-2013, the overall FIMR has decreased in the Republic of Moldova. The aim of this study is to determine opportunities for improvement within the health system based on the BABIES matrix statistical analysis. Most of the FIMR decline from 2008 to 2013 in Moldova was a result of the improvement of intervention methods that target maternal health care. Based on this analysis, recommendations are made for further improvement of maternal and child health. Interventions to improve health prior to and during pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care hold the vital key to reducing mortality.