The US infant mortality rate reached a record low in 2024 at 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, but the country still trails other developed nations. - The rate dropped from 5.6 in 2023, reflecting improvements in neonatal care.
- Black infants die at more than twice the rate of white infants, highlighting persistent racial disparities. - The US ranks poorly among high-income countries, where rates are often below 4 per 1,000.
Despite the progress, experts call for more equitable access to prenatal care and addressing socioeconomic factors to close the gap.