Child survival and healthcare in developing countries of Asia

Publication Date: January 2003

Publisher: East-West Center

Author(s): Sidney B. Westley

Research Area: Health; Population and demographics

Type: Brief

Coverage: Asia

Abstract:

An estimated 11 million children in developing countries die each year before reaching their fifth birthday. Findings from 15 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Asia between 1990 and 2001 shed light on recent trends in child survival and aspects of healthcare that potentially affect mortality rates. Information on medical care during pregnancy and childbirth, child immunization, treatment of children who are ill, and child nutritional status is presented for Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan in South Asia. The three countries with the lowest under-five mortality rates Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia rank high in terms of most aspects of child healthcare.