Report on Infant Mortality in Indiana and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This report outlines the critical issue of infant mortality in Indiana, with a specific focus on Marion County. It analyzes the contributing factors and strategic responses through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Key Findings and Statistics

State and Local Data

In 2023, Indiana recorded a significant number of infant deaths, a statistic that underscores the urgency of public health interventions. While national trends show slow improvement, specific localities within Indiana continue to face acute challenges.

• A total of 524 infants died before their first birthday in Indiana during 2023.
• This figure equates to an average of nearly 45 infant deaths per month.
• Data from the World Health Organization indicates that the majority of neonatal deaths occur within the first week of life, highlighting a period of critical risk.

Geographic and Racial Disparities (SDG 10)

The data reveals severe inequalities in health outcomes, directly contravening the objectives of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Infant mortality rates are not uniform across the state, with certain communities experiencing disproportionately high numbers. This points to systemic barriers that prevent equal access to health and well-being.

• Marion County continues to report persistently high infant mortality rates.
• Significant disparities are concentrated in specific ZIP codes, including 46218, 46219, and 46201.
• Racial disparities are alarming, with Black women and their infants being particularly affected.

Challenges to Achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Several factors impede progress toward SDG Target 3.2, which aims to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five. These challenges are primarily centered on access to and quality of maternal and infant healthcare.

Access to Prenatal Care

A primary challenge in high-need communities is the lack of timely access to essential medical services for pregnant women.

1. A critical barrier identified is the failure of many expectant mothers in at-risk populations to receive obstetric care during the first trimester.
2. Early and consistent prenatal care is fundamental to ensuring safe and healthy pregnancies and is a cornerstone of achieving SDG 3.

Strategic Interventions and Collaborative Efforts (SDG 17)

Cradle Indy’s Place-Based Strategy

The nonprofit organization Cradle Indy is actively working to lower the infant mortality rate in the Indianapolis area. Its approach is aligned with creating sustainable and healthy communities (SDG 11) by tailoring solutions to local needs.

• The organization employs a place-based strategy, recognizing that interventions must be customized for the unique demographic and socioeconomic conditions of different communities (e.g., urban vs. rural).
• The ultimate goal is to ensure every infant has the opportunity to celebrate their first birthday.

Fostering Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

In line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), Cradle Indy convened the “ONE: A Night to Win the Fight Against Infant Mortality” event. This initiative brought together various agencies to foster collaboration and develop integrated solutions.

• The event’s purpose was to discuss collaborative strategies among different organizations to achieve the shared goal of reducing infant mortality.
• This multi-agency approach is essential for addressing the complex and interconnected factors contributing to poor birth outcomes.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Addressing infant mortality in Indiana requires a sustained, multi-faceted approach focused on health equity. The efforts of organizations like Cradle Indy demonstrate a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. To accelerate progress, the following actions are recommended:

• Enhance Maternal Support Systems: Strengthen resources and support networks for mothers before, during, and after pregnancy, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
• Improve Healthcare Access: Implement targeted programs to eliminate barriers to first-trimester prenatal care in high-risk ZIP codes.
• Strengthen Collaborative Frameworks: Continue to build and support partnerships among public health agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations as championed by SDG 17.

By focusing on these areas, stakeholders can more effectively combat the root causes of infant mortality, reduce systemic inequalities (SDG 10), and advance the mission of ensuring good health and well-being for all (SDG 3).

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article’s central theme is infant mortality, which is a primary concern of SDG 3. The text explicitly states, “In 2023, 524 babies in Indiana died before their first birthday,” directly addressing the goal of reducing child mortality. The work of Cradle Indy to “lower the mortality rate” is a direct action towards this goal.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The article highlights significant disparities in infant mortality rates among different demographic and geographic groups. It notes that “the disparities are alarming in certain ZIP codes and especially among Black women.” This focus on inequality in health outcomes connects directly to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

Specific SDG Targets

Targets under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
   • The article is entirely focused on this target. The statistic that “524 babies in Indiana died before their first birthday” and the goal of the nonprofit Cradle Indy for “every baby to have the opportunity to celebrate their first birthday” are direct reflections of this target. The article also specifies neonatal deaths, stating, “most neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life,” which is a key component of Target 3.2.
2. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
   • The article implies a failure to meet this target by pointing out gaps in healthcare access. It states, “There are lots of folks in that population that don’t get to see an OB in their first trimester, which is one of the critical pieces to have safe and healthy pregnancies.” This lack of access to essential prenatal care is a barrier to universal health coverage.

Targets under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

1. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or economic or other status.
   • This target is relevant because the article identifies specific groups that are disproportionately affected by infant mortality. The mention that rates are particularly high “among Black women” and in specific ZIP codes (“46218, 46219, 46201”) points to a lack of equal health outcomes based on race and location, which this target aims to eliminate.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for SDG 3 Targets

• Indicator 3.2.1 (Under-5 mortality rate) and 3.2.2 (Neonatal mortality rate): The article provides a direct measure for infant mortality, which is a component of the under-5 mortality rate: “524 babies in Indiana died before their first birthday in 2023.” It also explicitly refers to neonatal mortality by quoting the World Health Organization that “most neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life.” These statistics are direct indicators of progress (or lack thereof) toward Target 3.2.
• Indicator 3.8.1 (Coverage of essential health services): The article implies this indicator by highlighting a lack of prenatal care. The statement that many people in high-need areas “don’t get to see an OB in their first trimester” serves as a qualitative indicator of gaps in the coverage of essential health services.

Indicators for SDG 10 Targets

• Health outcomes disaggregated by race and location: While not a formal UN indicator number, the article uses disaggregated data as an indicator for Target 10.2. The specific mention of “alarming” disparities “among Black women” and in certain ZIP codes serves as a direct indicator of inequality in health outcomes. Measuring the infant mortality rate for different racial groups and geographic areas would be the method to track progress on reducing these specific inequalities.

Summary of Findings

Source: wthr.com