Minister Ishmael: Maternal & Infant Mortality Rates Low

Barbados continues to experience low rates of maternal and infant deaths when compared to other countries.

Speaking at an event this morning to mark World Health Day at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins, Christ Church, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, disclosed that the island recorded two maternal deaths in 2024, while the infant mortality rate for 2023 was 7.6 for every 1,000 births.

This compares to global figures of approximately 300,000 maternal deaths per year as a result of pregnancy or delivery and more than two million infants who die within a month after birth. World Health Day this year is being marked under the theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.

Mr. Ishmael pointed out that these deaths were preventable as long as women’s health and well-being were prioritised. “The medical care of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping to ensure hopeful futures for us all. High quality care, including physical and emotional care, must therefore be provided before, during, and after pregnancy.

“Health systems must be able to manage the many health issues that impact maternal and newborn health, which not only include direct obstetric complications but also mental health conditions, non-communicable diseases and family planning,” he said.

The Minister of State further noted that World Health Day in Barbados would focus on spreading hope to parents and expectant mothers. He added that this year’s theme would mark the beginning of a campaign which would focus on effective healthcare services for mothers and newborns. He said the campaign would encourage action for the prevention of maternal and newborn deaths.

It will also work towards the overall health and wellness of women and aim at enhancing available information and instructions which can support healthy pregnancies and births, as well as improve postnatal care, Mr. Ishmael emphasised.

He said the rate of maternal and infant mortality could be reduced significantly by:

• Health check-ups during pregnancy and prenatal care alongside health promotional programmes
• Commencing health check-ups at the onset of pregnancy, which enables the detection and alleviation of potential complications in a timely manner.
• Encouraging nutrition and physical activities during pregnancy while refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol is equally important.
• Providing mental health support, which should be available during and after pregnancy.
• Providing adequate healthcare services, including a suite of medical personnel, nursing facilities, and maternal wards. And, post-natal consultations and health monitoring should be readily accessible for parents enabling them to receive guidance concerning newborn care.

Mr. Ishmael also pointed out the benefits of breastfeeding, which provides optimal nutrition to babies.

“Barbados has a national policy on breastfeeding, aiming to promote and protect breastfeeding practices. The policy emphasises the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has adopted the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative to promote successful breastfeeding.

“Mothers need encouragement and practical support to be provided by their families, friends, and communities. Moreover, health workers and community workers can play a crucial role in promoting breastfeeding through health promotion events, such as what we are doing here today, and continuous education to mothers and antenatal patients,” the Minister of State, shared.

He said initiatives focusing on the first 1,000 days of life were essential for ensuring long-term health and well-being as children transitioned to adulthood.

“Adequate nutritious diets alongside sufficient physical activity throughout life, support improved health outcomes. The Barbados School Nutrition Policy assists in this goal by integrating and ensuring active regimes at schools, as well as upgrading the quality of food served at and within schools,” Mr. Ishmael maintained.

Author: Melissa Rollock

Publish: April 07, 2025