A new research study has revealed alarming disparities in child mortality rates, highlighting why Black children are more likely to die than their White counterparts.
Data from a recent study by the Annals of Internal Medicine, shows that Black children dying at higher rates than white children. Even more alarming, this trend dates back to 1950, suggesting that we have made very little progress in addressing this disproportionate statistic in 75 years.
“Our analyses underscore the large racial inequalities in childhood mortality that have been present since the 1950s in the United States,” researchers said regarding the study. Researchers pointed out that one significantly shocking part of the study shows that an estimated five million deaths could’ve been prevented, including those of 522,617 infants.
The study entitled “Excess Mortality Rate in Black Children Since 1950 in the United States,” analyzed mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Census Bureau between 1950 and 2019. Death rates, life expectancy and estimated years of potential life lost were all calculated based on this information.
The research results conclusion officially states that, “The gaps in absolute life expectancy and age-standardized mortality between Black and White Americans decreased over the 70-year period beginning in 1950, but relative mortality in infants and children increased during this same period.”
“The mortality rates in the 1950s for White and Black infants were 2703 and 5181 deaths per 100 000 persons, respectively, for an excess mortality ratio of 1.92 (95% CI, 1.91 to 1.93). In the 2010s, the mortality rates were 499 deaths per 100 000 persons in White infants and 1073 deaths per 100 000 persons in Black infants, for an excess mortality ratio of 2.15 (CI, 2.13 to 2.17). A total of 5.0 million excess deaths of Black Americans (including 522 617 infants) could have been avoided during these 7 decades if their mortality rates were equal to those of White Americans.”
Yet, the question remains the same: what are the causes behind these daunting statistics?
According to experts, the main cause of death of children between the ages of 5-19 include: homicides, suicides, trauma and preventable accident. “Lower income, food insecurity, less education, and worse health insurance coverage” were also cited in the study as key contributing factors to this disturbing mortality crisis.
So, what can we do as a community to bring about significant change?
Well, research suggests that education is truly key to bringing about a significant change in this disheartening trend. We also need to address food insecurities in the community and provide better health care to all. Instituting programs that strive to lessen violent crime and create a safe space for our children are also of the utmost importance.
Although these things may seem like insurmountable tasks, it can be done, but it takes a village to turn things around.
