Diseases of the respiratory system and congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal anomalies are the main causes of death in children in Chiapas, according to the analysis carried out by the Network for Children’s Rights (Redim).
Based on death statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), in 2023, Chiapas recorded a total of 2,468 deaths of children and adolescents (NNA).
At the national level, half of people aged 0 to 17 years died from conditions originating in the perinatal period, malformations and anomalies, and other respiratory diseases in 2023. These were the three main conditions from which women and men also died of the same age.
Statistics
In Chiapas the reason for deaths is similar, 23.9% of the registered deaths (591 children and adolescents) were due to conditions originating in the perinatal period; being the main cause of death. They are followed by diseases of the respiratory system with a record of 391 deaths, which represent 15.8% of the records, and congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal anomalies, with 14.2%.
70.6% of the deaths of people between 0 and 17 years of age in Mexico occurred during early childhood (between 0 and 5 years of age) in 2023. This population was the one most affected by conditions originating in the perinatal period, malformations and anomalies and other respiratory diseases.
20.6% of deaths occurred in adolescence (between 12 and 17 years old). This population was most affected by transportation accidents, assaults, and intentionally self-inflicted injuries.
During 2023, the State of Mexico, Mexico City and Chiapas recorded more deaths of people between 0 and 17 years old (one in four of the deaths in the country).
What concrete examples can be given of successful community-based health programs that have improved child health outcomes in resource-limited settings similar to Chiapas?
## Interview Transcript: Addressing Child Mortality Concerns in Chiapas
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into crucial findings from the Network for Children’s Rights regarding the leading causes of death among children and adolescents in Chiapas. Joining us are Dr. Mariana Lopez, a pediatrician specializing in respiratory illnesses, and Mr. Miguel Hernandez, Chiapas representative for Redim.
**Section 1: Unveiling the Statistics**
**Host:** Thank you both for taking the time to address this critical concern. Dr. Lopez, the article highlights respiratory diseases and congenital anomalies as significant contributors to child mortality in Chiapas. Could you elaborate on the types of respiratory illnesses most prevalent in this region and what factors might be contributing to their high incidence?
**Dr. Lopez:** Certainly. We see cases of pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma quite frequently, especially amongst younger children.
Environmental factors like air pollution and limited access to healthcare play a major role.
**Host:** Mr. Hernandez, Redim’s analysis shows a striking overlap between national and state-level mortality patterns. What does this tell us about the broader context of child health in Mexico?
**Mr. Hernandez:** This overlap highlights systemic issues that demand national attention.
Poverty, lack of prenatal care, and inadequate access to specialized medical services create vulnerabilities across the country, impacting Chiapas significantly.
**Section 2: Focus on the Perinatal Period**
**Host:** The article cites “conditions originating in the perinatal period” as the leading cause of death.
Dr. Lopez, could you explain what this encompasses and why it’s such a prevalent issue in Chiapas?
**Dr. Lopez:** This refers to complications arising before, during, or shortly after birth. Preterm birth, birth asphyxia, and infections are among the primary culprits. Limited access to skilled birth attendants and quality neonatal care in rural areas exacerbate these risks in Chiapas.
**Host:** Mr. Hernandez, how does Redim work to address these perinatal challenges?
**Mr. Hernandez:** We advocate for increased investment in maternal and child health programs, training for healthcare professionals in rural areas, and improved access to prenatal care for all expectant mothers, regardless of their location.
**Section 3: Addressing Disparities and Seeking Solutions**
**Host:** The article emphasizes that children aged 0-5 years are most vulnerable. Dr. Lopez, what specific interventions can be implemented to protect this age group, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Chiapas?
**Dr. Lopez:** Promoting exclusive breastfeeding, improving sanitation and hygiene practices, and educating communities on early recognition of danger signs in children are crucial steps.
Immunization coverage needs to be strengthened, along with community-based health programs that bring essential services directly to vulnerable families.
**Host:** Mr. Hernandez, what are Redim’s recommendations for policymakers to create a more equitable environment for children’s health in Chiapas?
**Mr. Hernandez:** We call for a multi-sectoral approach that tackles poverty, improves access to clean water and sanitation, and prioritizes the health and well-being of mothers and children. Targeted investments in rural healthcare infrastructure and the training of indigenous health promoters are paramount.
**Conclusion:**
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez and Mr. Hernandez, for shedding light on this critical issue. The information shared today underscores the need for collective action to ensure the health and well-being of children in Chiapas and across Mexico. We need to advocate for policies and programs that address the underlying social determinants of health and invest in children’s futures.
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