Infant mortality rate (IMR) is the number of infants age 0 to 12 months who die per 1000 live births in a given population. On the scale of good to bad, infant mortality rates range from a current low in Japan of 4 to a high of 153 in Guinea. (PRB) By 1993 the IMR in Kerala had dropped to 13. The infant mortality rates in the several Indian states now ranges from 4 to 8.5 times higher than the IMR of Kerala. (state IMR 1993)

Infants 0 to 12 months are most sensitive to the provision of clean water, good food, suitable housing and clothing, quality health care, the education of their parents, and close attention---essential needs of all humans. Infant mortality rate provides a quick measure of the quality of the food and water available, the quality of housing and clothing, the quality of the health care, and the quality of the education in a whole population. As such, infant mortality rates is the best composite measure of well-being  available.

(Directory)  March 20, 2000