Bolivia |
Health Goals
 |
Reduce child mortality |
|
1990 |
2000 |
2005 |
Mortality rate of infant in first 28 days (per 1,000 live births) |
89 |
63 |
52 |
Mortality rate under 5 (per 1,000 live births) |
125 |
84 |
65 |
Immunization for measles (by 2 years old) |
53 |
74 |
64 |
Figures from World Bank development indicators database April 2007/UNICEF State of the World’s Children 2007
The Challenges
Although Bolivia has increased the health of pregnant women and children under 5, infant mortality still remains high. Some of the main challenges that the country faces are:
- Neonatal mortality accounts for more than half the deaths in Bolivia of children under five, and more than one third of all child deaths
- Over 65% of neonatal deaths are in rural areas
- Some of the main causes of child deaths are infectious diseases, low birth weight and premature birth
The Changes
Bolivia has improved the health of pregnant women and children under 5, due to an increase in government funding and improvements in basic health services. Its ‘Basic Health Insurance’ SUMI (Universal Maternal and Child Health Insurance) covers pregnant women and children under five, leading to lower infant mortality rates.
Health insurance for children and mothers (pdf)
 |
Improve maternal health |
The Challenges
|
1990 |
2000 |
2005 |
Births attended by skilled health staff (per 1,000??) tbc |
43 |
69 |
67 |
Maternal mortality (estimated per 100,000 live births) |
390 |
230 |
Maternal mortality in Bolivia is one of the highest in the world. According to a survey conducted in 1998, the maternal mortality rate was 390 per 100,000 live-born, but in rural and indigenous areas, the maternal mortality rate is much higher, sometimes reaching 886 per 100,000 live-born.
The state of health of a mother impacts directly on her children, particularly on very young children. For example, if a mother has anaemia and so feels exhausted, she may not be able to look after her children fully. A poor diet of a mother-to-be, and after giving birth, is one cause of a percentage of child deaths during the first 28 days of the life of a baby. Furthermore, if a mother dies, the probability of her child surviving is reduced by half.The Changes
Bolivia’s health policies and activities during the last 15 months have prioritised reducing maternal deaths. In 1990 there were 390 deaths per 100,000 live births – this has now dropped to 230 per 100,000. In terms of meeting the Millennium Development Goal’s target, Bolivia needs to reduce it to 200 per 100,000 live births. This could be achieved if the country keeps this as a high priority whilst strengthening medical care, including access to information on contraceptives.
Other data related to maternal health are also promising. The proportion of births in which mothers received a doctor's care during pregnancy rose to 70% in 2003. The proportion of doctor-attended deliveries rose to 56% during the same period, while institutional deliveries rose to 57%.
However, despite this progress there is a still a difference between rates among the rural poor and higher-income groups in major cities.
 |
Combat HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases |
The Challenges
There are high levels of Malaria, Chagas, and Tuberculosis, which effect different parts of the country. Bolivia holds the unfortunate record for Chagas infections in Latin America. The disease is endemic in 60% of the country, meaning some 3.5 million people are at risk. Chagas is said to be the fourth highest cause of disease and responsible for 13% of the total deaths in the country. It is spread by a bug called a Vinchucas which is about 5cms long when fully grown. It climbs high on the clay walls inside the houses and then jumps and glides until it lands on exposed arms of sleeping children.
Reported HIV/AIDS prevalence is low, but some estimates place the actual numbers much higher. The population is at risk because of migration from rural to urban areas and lack of information regarding transmission and prevention.
- In 2007, the Bolivian Ministry of Defence and UNAIDS began implementing an HIV/AIDS awareness program in the armed forces, with the aim of spreading knowledge more widely among young people.
