Sharp increase in TRNC’s infant mortality rate

THERE has been a steep increase in the number of babies dying in North Cyprus before they reach their first birthday, according to new figures released by the Statistical Institute.

The TRNC’s infant mortality rate went up from 2.1 deaths for every 1,000 live births in 2019, to 7.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021.

While eight babies died before the age of one in 2019, this number increased to 17 in 2020 and 26 in 2021. The majority of the deaths occurred among newborns during the first 27 days of their lives.

Commenting on the figures, Universal Child Rights Association head and child rights specialist lawyer Laden Asilzade said the infant mortality rate in North Cyprus is now higher than all European Union countries.

She said that in 2019 the average infant mortality rate across the EU was 3.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, with the highest mortality rate among EU countries recorded as 6.7.

Ms Asilzade said the fact that the rate in North Cyprus has risen to 7.2 “shows how serious the situation is” and called for “urgent measures” to be taken.

“Infant deaths can be prevented if adjustments are made to the healthcare infrastructure in our country, units that provide newborn services are improved and transition programmes are implemented,” she said.