Which region globally has the highest infant mortality rate?

• A. Indonesia
• B. Southern Asia
• C. Sub-Saharan Africa
• D. Syria

Answer: (C)

Infant mortality rate is the number of babies who die before their first birthday per 1,000 live births. Regions with the highest IMR usually have limited access to quality prenatal and newborn care, higher malnutrition, and a burden of infectious diseases, all tied to weaker health systems. Sub-Saharan Africa fits this pattern more than the others: many countries struggle with access to skilled birth attendance, adequate neonatal care, vaccination coverage, and nutrition, along with higher rates of infections and malaria. Indonesia and Southern Asia have experienced improvements and, on average, lower IMRs than Sub-Saharan Africa, and Syria’s rate—while worsened by conflict—is not at the same level as Sub-Saharan Africa on the regional average. Therefore, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest infant mortality rate globally.