Infant Mortality Rate: Benin

Analysis# Benin Infant Mortality Rate Benin recorded an infant mortality rate of 45.2 per 1,000 births in 2024, marking a historic low for the country. This represents a dramatic 71.6% decline from the 1960 peak of 159.3 per 1,000 births, reflecting sustained progress in child health outcomes over six decades. Despite the considerable improvement, Benin's current rate remains elevated relative to developed nations, indicating ongoing challenges in healthcare access and maternal care. The period from 2015 to 2024 demonstrates consistent annual reductions, with the rate falling from 57 to 45.2 per 1,000 births—a decline of nearly 21% in less than a decade. This accelerating downward trajectory suggests strengthened investments in vaccination programs, prenatal services, and healthcare infrastructure. If current momentum continues, further improvements are likely, though sustained policy commitment will determine whether Benin can maintain this progress.