"The number of maternal mortality cases in 2020 had reached 187 out of the 299,198 birth targets, or 65.50 per 100,000 live births. This data is based on the local regional monitoring reports of maternal and child health," Rahmayadi noted on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the number of infant mortality cases in 2020 reached 715 out of the 299,198 live birth targets.
"Thus, the infant mortality rate in 2020 was 2.39 per 1,000 live births," he remarked.
Although the number of maternal and child deaths throughout 2020 is still high, the figure decreased when compared to the number of deaths in 2019.
Maternal death cases in 2019 were found to be 202 of the 302,555 live birth targets, while infant mortality cases were recorded at 790 out of the 302,555 live births.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the North Sumatra Health Office Dr Aris Yudhariansyah stated that the cause of the high rate of maternal and child mortality is owing to the lack of knowledge during pregnancy, childbirth, and its planning.
"This is caused by a lack of knowledge and also due to lifestyle factors," he pointed out. Related news: Government focuses on lowering infant mortality rate
Related news: Infant mortality rate in Indonesia decreases
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Translator: Nur Aprilliana Br. Sitorus, Ka
Editor: Suharto
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