A surprising discovery in global health is rewriting the playbook for saving infants.
The loss of a child before their first birthday is a devastating tragedy that reverberates through families and communities. Yet, for decades, the battle against infant mortality has relied on a familiar arsenal of medical interventions. Now, groundbreaking research reveals powerful new weapons that might be simpler than anyone imagined.
Infants born to families receiving cash transfers were 48% less likely to die compared to non-recipient households 1 .
Infant mortality dropped from:
SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby less than one year old, often occurring during sleep 7 . Evidence suggests that some infants may be born with brain abnormalities that affect the area controlling breathing and arousal from sleep 7 .
2-4 months
Most SIDS cases occur in this age rangeUse a firm, flat sleep surface with only a fitted sheet. Avoid soft mattresses, sofas, or chairs 2 .
Keep the crib free of soft objects, including pillows, blankets, bumper pads, and stuffed toys 2 .
Share your room with the baby for at least the first six months, but not your bed 2 .
| Population | Infant Mortality Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States (Overall, 2022) | 5.6 | 5 |
| Non-Hispanic Black (U.S., 2022) | 10.9 | 5 |
| Non-Hispanic White (U.S., 2022) | 4.5 | 5 |
| Global Under-Five Mortality (2020) | 37.0 | 3 |
| Rural Kenya (Pre-Cash Transfer) | 40.0 | Infant mortality rate 1 |
| Pakistan (Under-Five, 2020) | 65.2 | 3 |
| Ethiopia (Under-Five, 2020) | 48.7 | 3 |
The most effective strategies for reducing infant mortality will likely combine medical interventions, economic support, and educational initiatives tailored to specific communities and their unique challenges.