Child and Maternal Mortality
in Islamic Countries
114
3.4. Iraq
Iraq is a Middle East country with a population of
approximately 39 million, with 71% living in urban
areas and 29% in rural areas. Among all Middle East
countries, Iraq has one of the lowest GDP level with
relatively high burden of maternal and child mortality.
3.4.1. Maternal and child mortality in Iraq
Maternal mortality trends in Iraq
The MMEIG estimated maternal mortality ratio reduced significantly from 107 (80% credible
interval [CI]: 79 -151) per 100,000 live births in 1999 to 50 (80% CI: 35 to 69) per 100,000 live
births in 2015 – a reduction of about 53%, which was higher than the global rate of 44%
reduction in MMR during the same period. In 2000, the MMR was 63 (80% CI: 50 to 79). The
trend of MMR in Iraq is shown below (Figure 3.61).
Figure 3.61. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) trends in Iraq
Source: MMEIG Estimates26 (supplement)
The most recent MMEIG/WHO estimates (September 19, 2019), however, suggest that maternal
mortality has not reduced in Iraq between 2000 and 2017. The estimated MMRs were 79 in
2000, 127 in 2005, 83 in 2015, and 79 in 2017.
Created with Microsoft BI