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- North Korea's infant mortality rate has worsened following border containment measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic,according to recent data.
- Statistics from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child mortality Estimation indicate that North Korea's under-five mortality rate was approximately 18 per 1,000 live births in 2023.
- The infant mortality rate (deaths within the frist year of life) was estimated at 14.54 per 1,000 live births,while the neonatal mortality rate (deaths within the first 28...
North Korea Infant Mortality Rate Rises After COVID-19 Border Closures
Table of Contents
- North Korea Infant Mortality Rate Rises After COVID-19 Border Closures
- North Korea’s Infant Mortality: A Rising Concern
- what is the current infant mortality rate in North Korea?
- What is the under-five mortality rate in North Korea?
- What’s the neonatal mortality rate in North Korea?
- How does North Korea’s infant mortality compare to other countries?
- What has caused the recent increase in infant mortality in North Korea?
- What historical trends are observed in North Korea’s mortality rates?
- how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected North Korea’s health indicators?
- Has vaccination coverage played a role in the rise in infant mortality?
- What are the current vaccination rates in North Korea?
- Is the situation in North Korea a global concern?
- Summary of Key Data
North Korea’s infant mortality rate has worsened following border containment measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic,according to recent data.
UN Report Details Mortality Increase
Statistics from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child mortality Estimation indicate that North Korea’s under-five mortality rate was approximately 18 per 1,000 live births in 2023.
The infant mortality rate (deaths within the frist year of life) was estimated at 14.54 per 1,000 live births,while the neonatal mortality rate (deaths within the first 28 days) stood at 9.48 per 1,000 live births.
Regional and Global Comparisons
In comparison, South Korea’s under-five mortality rate in the same year was 2.76 per 1,000. The World Bank average was 4.95 per 1,000, and the average for low and middle income countries was 14.1 per 1,000.
Historical Trends and Recent Setbacks
North Korea’s mortality rate peaked at 107.68 per 1,000 during the “March of Hardship” famine in 1995. Meaningful improvements were observed starting in 2003, with the rate declining to 17.7 in 2019.
However, the rate increased by 0.3 per 1,000 in the four years following the implementation of border blockades during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccination Rates a Contributing Factor
Analysts suggest that North Korean children may have become more susceptible to infectious diseases due to decreased vaccination rates.
According to UNICEF data, North Korea’s DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccination coverage rate was only 41% in 2023.
North Korea’s Infant Mortality: A Rising Concern
what is the current infant mortality rate in North Korea?
The infant mortality rate in North Korea, as of 2023, is estimated at 14.54 deaths per 1,000 live births. This rate refers to the number of deaths of infants within their first year of life.
What is the under-five mortality rate in North Korea?
In 2023, the under-five mortality rate in North Korea was approximately 18 per 1,000 live births. This figure represents the number of children who die before reaching the age of five, per 1,000 live births.
What’s the neonatal mortality rate in North Korea?
the neonatal mortality rate in North Korea, referring to deaths within the first 28 days of life, stood at 9.48 per 1,000 live births in 2023.
How does North Korea’s infant mortality compare to other countries?
North Korea’s infant mortality rate is substantially higher than that of other countries,particularly its neighbor,South Korea. To illustrate:
North Korea: 14.54 per 1,000 (infant mortality), 18 per 1,000 (under-five mortality)
South Korea: 2.76 per 1,000 (under-five mortality)
World Bank Average: 4.95 per 1,000 (under-five mortality)
low and Middle-Income countries: 14.1 per 1,000 (under-five mortality)
What has caused the recent increase in infant mortality in North Korea?
The increase in infant mortality has been linked to border containment measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures likely disrupted access to essential healthcare services, medications, and potentially nutrition for infants and young children, contributing to the worsening situation.
What historical trends are observed in North Korea’s mortality rates?
North Korea’s mortality rates have fluctuated significantly over time:
A peak of 107.68 per 1,000 was recorded during the “march of Hardship” famine in 1995.
Improvements were seen starting in 2003, with the rate declining to 17.7 in 2019.
* However, there was an increase of 0.3 per 1,000 in the four years following the implementation of border blockades during the COVID-19 pandemic.
how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected North Korea’s health indicators?
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely worsened North Korea’s health indicators due to the border closures and related restrictions. These measures disrupted normal healthcare operations, limited access to resources, and likely led to a rise in mortality rates.
Has vaccination coverage played a role in the rise in infant mortality?
Yes, decreased vaccination rates appear to be a contributing factor. Analysts note that North Korean children may have become more susceptible to infectious diseases due to reduced vaccination coverage.
What are the current vaccination rates in North Korea?
According to UNICEF data from 2023, North Korea’s DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccination coverage rate was only 41%.This low rate indicates children are more vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Is the situation in North Korea a global concern?
Yes, the rising infant mortality and overall health trends in North Korea are a concern, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors and global events on vulnerable populations. The data provides insight into the health of the country in the face of challenges.
Summary of Key Data
| Metric | north Korea (2023) | South Korea (2023) | World Bank Avg (2023) | Low & Middle Income Countries (2023) | Historical Peak |
| —————————– | —————— | ——————- | ———————- | ———————————— | —————- |
| infant Mortality Rate | 14.54 per 1,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Under-Five Mortality Rate | 18 per 1,000 | 2.76 per 1,000 | 4.95 per 1,000 | 14.1 per 1,000 | 107.68 per 1,000 (1995) |
| Neonatal Mortality Rate | 9.48 per 1,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| DTP vaccination Coverage Rate | 41% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |