Top 10 African Countries with the Highest infant mortality rates in 2025

In Summary

• A country’s healthcare and social situation can be judged by how high or low its infant mortality rates are. They track the number of infants who die before turning one year old, every 1,000 births which tells us about the health challenges for newborns and their families.
• Some African countries face serious childhood mortality because they have poor health care which is linked to continued conflict or political troubles.
• While Northern and Southern countries have managed to considerably decrease the number of infant deaths in the last few years, Central and West African countries are majorly the ones leading this.

Deep Dive!!

The rate of infant mortality says a lot about how societies take care of their children and give them the best possible start in life. Every number gives information about access to pregnancy care, animal vaccine programs, sanitation practices, and changes resulting from economic and political events.

Africa is experiencing an irregular trend in lowering infant deaths. While some nations have introduced programs that greatly reduce their mortality, some are still challenged by conflicts, societal difficulties, and a lack of healthcare. Citing out the countries with the highest childhood deaths enables experts to target its support where it is most needed.

This article shows data on African countries having the highest Infant mortality rates in 2025. They illustrate the areas having the most issues and highlight regions where newborns face the most risks.

10. Angola

Records show that there are 57.8 deaths of infants for every 1,000 births in Angola. Even though economic growth has increased after the war, the country’s healthcare facilities are struggling to meet challenges, particularly in less urban areas. Many people living in rural areas do not have clean water and are unable to reach health experts regularly. As more skilled birth attendants are being prepared, a lot of newborns continue to face problems that could be prevented with equal care.

9. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

DRC’s persistent infant mortality rate of 59.1 is a result of lasting wars on the country’s health care system. Because of poor infrastructure, mothers in many places face obstacles in getting to nearby clinics. Thanks to international support, the situation is improving even if problems with stability and logistics hold up progress.

8. Mozambique

Mozambique’s rate of children dying during childhood is 59.8. Ongoing floods and cyclones damage the country, making families who live in poverty more likely to suffer from different risks. When infants do not eat well and are not immunized regularly, their health can be endangered. Partnerships between the government and NGOs help provide more maternal care, but there are still shortcomings in most remote areas.

7. South Sudan

There are 61.6 deaths for every 1000 babies born in South Sudan. The region still copes with political issues and issues with getting enough food which makes it harder for newborns to survive. Preventive care is very limited outside the capital town, causing many women to give birth to their babies at home alone. If children are not fully protected, they can get sick from diseases that are preventable by vaccines.

6. Chad

Infant mortality is 64 deaths per 1,000 births in Chad, the country encounters issues with high fertility and malnutrition. Because rural places often lack healthcare, safe water, and proper sanitation, such areas are ideal spots for diseases to develop. Expanding health programs for mothers are facing challenges related to going far distances to clinics and certain cultural habits.

5. Niger

According to statistics, 65.5 out of 1000 children in Niger do not survive to live past their childhood. Extreme poverty and low education among women are among the problems the country faces and these issues have an impact on maternal health decisions. There are still a lot of child marriages that result in women becoming pregnant early, placing their newborns at greater risk. The main goal of health interventions is to raise awareness about important prenatal care and vaccination services in the community.

4. Sierra Leone

The country’s low rate of 72.3 is due to difficulties from the Ebola outbreak that made it hard for health systems to function properly. Even though things have improved, infections, bad sanitation, and difficulties accessing healthcare in rural areas remain a challenge for newborns. The government is focused on training more midwives and improving medical care in emergency situations.

3. Equatorial Guinea

There are 77.9 infant deaths for every 1,000 births in Equatorial Guinea which shows how much wealth it has from its oil resources. A difference between people’s wealth and their health shows that healthcare resources and opportunities are lacking in certain areas. Several remote areas do not have proper services for mothers and children and public money allocated to health is still smaller than in most other countries.

2. Central African Republic (CAR)

CAR’s rate of infant mortality is very high at 81.7. Trouble and instability in the country have badly damaged the healthcare system. Because of malaria, malnutrition, and the shortage of clean water, death rates are higher in these countries. Insecurity blocks some programs that international organizations could offer to vulnerable populations.

1. Somalia

Somalia reports 85.1 children dying for every 1,000 babies that are born. Having suffered from violent wars and prolonged drought, the healthcare systems in the region are no longer functional for most people. Leading causes of death in infants are still malnutrition and infectious diseases. Even with challenges, there are efforts by locals and help from abroad to raise vaccination rates and improve information about health for women.