Bhutan

MDGs Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Target 5: Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under five mortality rate

A lot of achievements have been made for all the above three indicators. Based on this performance, Bhutan will certainly attain the goal of reducing child mortality much earlier than 2015. There is sustained levels of support and intensification of efforts to improve access to child health care services for hard-to-reach communities. As appropriate, many new interventions will be required in the light of emerging diseases that threaten infant and child health.

Since 1990, Bhutan has witnessed a steep drop in under five mortality rates. Between 1990 and 2000, mortality of under five children has been reduced by one third. The last national health survey was conducted in 2000.  However, utilizing data for the period 1990-2000 the country remains on track to achieve the target of reducing under five mortality rate by two thirds. Being well aware that maintaining similar rates of rapid declines in child mortality at the later stages are often more difficult, the Royal Government is committed to sustaining previous levels of progress and have renewed commitment and redoubled efforts.

There has been a significant decline in the infant mortality rate (IMR) between 1990 and 2006. The IMR was reduced by a third from 90 deaths per 1,000 live births to 60 per 1,000 live births within that period. The country is currently on track to reduce IMR by two thirds even before the target year of 2015.