Peer-reviewed article
Maternal and child health outcomes in BRICS countries: Analysis of MDGs and SDGs periods
Xin Wang, Yuting Liu, Haifeng Yue ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This peer-reviewed study analysed maternal and child health outcomes in BRICS countries from 2000 to 2022, comparing progress during the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals periods. Infant, under-5, and maternal mortality rates all improved significantly over time. However, the analysis found persistent inequalities across countries, with poorer outcomes in nations with higher maternal mortality rates. The study recommends targeted health interventions addressing education, healthcare spending, immunisation coverage, and urbanisation to reduce disparities.
Key points
- Significant improvements in child mortality outcomes observed from the MDGs to the SDGs era across BRICS nations
- Quantile regression analysis revealed persistent health inequalities, with disproportionately poorer outcomes in countries with higher maternal mortality rates
- Key socioeconomic determinants identified as critical for improvement: education, healthcare expenditure, immunisation coverage, and urbanisation
- Vulnerable populations, including low-income families and children, experience the greatest burden and require targeted healthcare delivery strengthening
- Integrated public health strategies addressing healthcare infrastructure and equity are essential for achieving SDG health objectives
Limitations
This is a comparative analysis using secondary data on mortality rates without evaluating a specific intervention. It cannot assess the causal mechanisms behind observed inequalities or provide granular information about programme effectiveness at the community level.
Abstract
This study examines maternal-child health outcomes, specifically infant, under-5, and maternal mortality rates in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) between 2000 and 2022, segmented into Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) periods. Using Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) and Panel Quantile Regression estimators, the analysis identifies significant improvements in child mortality outcomes from the MDGs to the SDGs era, reflecting advancements in healthcare infrastructure and enhanced health policies. However, quantile regression results highlight persistent inequalities, with disproportionately poorer outcomes in nations with higher maternal mortality rates. The findings underline the continuing health disparities across BRICS nations, emphasising the importance of inclusive and equitable healthcare systems. Policymakers are encouraged to design targeted health interventions that address socioeconomic determinants, such as education, healthcare expenditure, immunisation coverage, and urbanisation, to improve maternal-child health outcomes. Strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly among vulnerable populations such as low-income families and children, is essential for reducing mortality rates and achieving broader health objectives within the SDGs framework. Ultimately, the study advocates integrated public health strategies that support sustainable progress towards equitable maternal and child health across the BRICS region.