Why are child mortality rates used in economic development assessments?

Child mortality rates are used in economic development assessments as they reflect a country's health and socio-economic conditions.

Child mortality rates, also known as under-five mortality rates, are a key indicator of a country's level of socio-economic development and quality of life. They are used in economic development assessments because they provide a comprehensive picture of a country's health infrastructure, access to clean water and sanitation, nutrition, and the overall standard of living.

High child mortality rates often indicate poor health services, inadequate nutrition, and low levels of education, particularly among women. These factors are closely linked to a country's economic development. For instance, countries with high child mortality rates often have lower levels of productivity due to a less healthy workforce. This can hinder economic growth and development.

Conversely, low child mortality rates suggest that a country has effective health and social services, good nutrition, and high levels of education. These are all factors that contribute to a strong and productive workforce, which can drive economic growth and development.

Moreover, child mortality rates can also provide insights into a country's level of gender equality, another important aspect of economic development. In many developing countries, girls have higher child mortality rates than boys, reflecting gender-based discrimination in access to food, healthcare, and other resources. This can have long-term impacts on a country's economic development by limiting the potential of half of its population.

In addition, child mortality rates are also used to monitor progress towards international development goals. For example, reducing child mortality is one of the targets of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By tracking child mortality rates, policymakers and development practitioners can assess whether countries are making progress towards these goals and identify areas where more action is needed.

In conclusion, child mortality rates are a valuable tool in economic development assessments. They provide a snapshot of a country's health and socio-economic conditions, which are key determinants of economic development. By analysing child mortality rates, economists can gain insights into a country's level of development and identify areas for improvement.