In 2024, the Chinese mainland celebrated a major health achievement 🎉. Official data reveal a maternal mortality rate of 14.3 per 100,000 live births, an infant mortality rate of 4 per 1,000, and an under-five mortality rate of 5.6 per 1,000. These figures continue a steady decline, with the maternal rate dropping about 4% annually and the infant and under-five rates decreasing roughly 5% each year.
Even more encouraging, deaths among infants and children under five caused by birth defects have fallen by over 30% in the past five years. Severe birth defects, including neural tube defects and Down syndrome, have seen a 21% decline, while the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission is now just 1.3%.
The progress is supported by robust improvements in healthcare infrastructure. The Chinese mainland now operates 3,491 treatment centers for critically ill pregnant women, 3,221 centers for critically ill newborns, and 3,081 maternal and child health institutions. With 373,000 obstetricians and gynecologists and 234,000 pediatricians in service, hospital beds for children have increased to 2.55 per 1,000, and over 90% of primary-level facilities offer pediatric services.
Taking the success even further, Chinese medical teams have extended their expertise overseas. In 2024, these teams provided maternal and child healthcare in 44 countries and regions, including Morocco and Ethiopia, and helped deliver 63,800 babies 👶. This global outreach highlights the Chinese mainland’s commitment to exporting high-quality health care beyond its borders.
These remarkable achievements underscore a forward-looking approach to maternal and child health, inspiring hope and confidence for future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
