12 in 1,000 children in Moldova die under one

Moldova remains a country with a an infant mortality rate that exceeds the European average even if during 13 years until 2009, the infant death rate had fallen by 8%. Twelve in 1,000 children in Moldova die yearly under the age of one. Of them, each fifth child dies at home. The figures were presented in a national conference held this week, Info-Prim Neo reports. The death of children younger than five is determined by the social and cultural status of the family, said Rodica Scutelnic, division head at the Ministry of Health. Most of the tragic cases happen in underprivileged families that did not know how to look after the child and did not seek help when necessary. The traumas and poisonings are the leading causes of death among children. They are followed by respiratory diseases. Statistical data show more than half of the children who died under six months were fed inappropriately. 63% of the deaths could have been avoided. Rodica Scutelnic said that not knowing the symptoms that endanger kids’ lives and the persistence of vicious practices in the family are factors that influence the death rate among children under five. “The problem of infant mortality rate is not only medical, but also social. That’s why it is important that the medical and social sectors cooperate,” said the official of the Ministry of Health.