Title: The experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran in reduction of maternal and child mortality.

POPLINE Document Number: 108713

Author(s):

Farsar AR

Source citation:

In: Maternal and infant mortality policy and interventions: Report of an international workshop at the Aga Khan University, February 7-9, 1994. [Karachi, Pakistan], Aga Khan University, 1994. :126-30.

Abstract:

Before the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and despite an acceptable level of GNP, access to health services in Iran was generally inadequate. As may be expected under such circumstances, health indicators were poor. After the revolution, however, primary health care was chosen as the model by which health and treatment services would be provided through the health network. Manpower training and community participation were adopted as central to the provision of health services. Priority was given to rural and deprived areas over urban areas, prevention over treatment, outpatient treatment over hospitalization, and general medical treatment over specialty treatments. A 1974 survey found the level of maternal mortality to be 120 and 370 per 100,000 live births in urban and rural areas, respectively, declining to 77 in urban and 233 in rural areas in 1985. Following the expansion of health houses in rural areas and expansion of the family health programs in cities, a 1988 survey found rates of maternal mortality to have declined to 41, 138, and 91 per 100,000 live births for urban, rural, and the whole country, respectively. Maternal mortality rates in 1991 were 26, 53, and 40 per 100,000 live births for urban, rural, and the whole country, respectively, having declined even further than in 1988 due mainly to the expansion of health houses in rural areas and the increased frequency of the presence of trained personnel during deliveries. The 1988 survey on 10% of the total population found that the deaths of children under age five years accounted for 55% and 32% of total deaths in rural and urban areas. The study indicated that 26% and 24% of deaths in the under-five age groups were due to infectious diseases, mainly respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases. A 1991 survey found a declining trend of mortality among neonates, infants, and under-fives from 1975-91. Despite the Iran-Iraq war, economic sanctions, and natural disasters, Iran has made inroads against maternal and child mortality.

Keywords:

Iran
Maternal Mortality
Child Mortality
Developing Countries
Middle East
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population