Child mortality in Ecuador 1895-2020
In 1895, the rate of child mortality in Ecuador was 406 deaths for every thousand live births. This means that for every baby born in that year, over forty percent would not survive make it to their fifth birthday. This rate would fall steadily through the first half of the 20th century, as Ecuador would see moderate improvements in access to healthcare and improved social benefits, despite civil unrest and economic trouble in the country during this time period. Child mortality would begin to fall in earnest beginning in the 1940s, as reforms under President Galo Plaza Lasso would bring both a period of economic and political stability and improve access to healthcare for much of the Ecuadoran population. As a result, child mortality would fall from 357 in 1940 to just under 240 by 1950. Following the end of Galo Plaza’s term in 1952, child mortality would continue to fall for the remainder of the century, as modernization would see standards of living and access to healthcare improve throughout the country. This growth has continued into the 21st century, and in 2020, for every thousand live births, it is estimated that approximately 98.4 percent of all children will live past their fifth birthday.
