Children from poor families more likely to die younger than five than those from wealthy families

The children from poor families are more exposed to the risk of dying up to the age of five than those from wealthy families. This is one of the conclusions of the study “Analysis of Equality in Mother and Child Health” carried out by UNICEF and the Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS Center). The study was presented on July 22, Info Prim Neo reports. “The report showed once again that despite excellent results in child healthcare, there is yet a lot to do. In Moldova, we can see that the situation of the wealthy families is similar to that of the less wealthy families in Europe. The situation of the disadvantaged children is dramatic. The repot revealed wide discrepancies by geographic areas. These discrepancies should be a call for action for all of us,” said Alexandra Yuster, UNICEF Representative in Moldova. The poor children in southern Moldova are over three times more likely to die younger than five, while the mortality in the area is compatible to the death rates in Egypt and Morocco. Though the trends are positive at national level, the discrepancies in rural areas are wide. The poor children are more exposed to anemia, retard and diarrhea that those from rich families owing to the shortage of money, parent negligence, inappropriate medical care, etc. “In order to make a through analysis and determine the causes of such a situation, we need more information about the state of health of the mothers and children. The absence of medical workers in rural areas is worrisome,” said Viorel Soltan, PAS Center director. “We must cooperate with the ministries in reducing the existing inequalities. UNICEF will contribute to this,” said Svetlana Stefanes, coordinator of the UNICEF Equal Access to Quality Services Program. The study was made on the basis of an analysis of inequalities recommended by the World Bank. There were also organized focus groups in Bilicenii Noi, Sangerei, Vulcanesti villages of Nisporeni district and Carpesti of Cantemir.