Child mortality in Yemen 1895-2020
In 1895, the child mortality rate in Yemen was estimated to be 540 deaths per thousand live births, meaning that for every thousand children born in Yemen in that year, over half would not survive past their fifth birthday. This figure would decline steadily in the first half of the 20th century, falling to 420 deaths per thousand births by 1950**. Child mortality would see its most rapid decline between the late 1960s and 1980s, however, as rising oil revenues would allow for significant improvements in health services in the country. However, while child mortality would fall to approximately 100 deaths by the turn of the century, the rate of decline would begin to slow, as several revolutions, coup d'états, and the on-going Yemeni Civil War would lead to widespread food and medical shortages, as well as severe disruptions in the operations of domestic and international health programs in the country. As a result, while child mortality has continued to decline in Yemen, it is estimated in 2020 that for every thousand children born in the country, 55 will not survive past their fifth birthday; one of the highest child mortality rates in the region.
