The infant mortality rate refers to the probability of dying between birth and 1 year of age, expressed per 1,000 live births.
Infant Mortality Rate
The infant mortality rate refers to the probability of dying between birth and 1 year of age, expressed per 1,000 live births. These deaths are primarily a product of the limited access many children and communities have to basic yet lifesaving health interventions such as vaccination, infectious disease treatments, adequate nutrition and clean water and sanitation. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, the state's infant mortality rate of 9.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2016 is the highest since 2008. This represents the deaths of 537 infants who did not reach 1 year of age. There were 59.090 live births in Alabama in 2016. Some challenges include access to healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy, reducing premature births, substance abuse, and poverty. Infant Mortality is an "inverse" measure as the higher the value, the greater the negative impact on community health. Posed with Health Systems and Public Safety, high rates of infant mortality also impacts economic health, employment, environmental hazards, neighborhood characteristics, and education. Data is available from the state and county health department.