Low Child Survival in Warao Amerindians: A Multidimensional Poverty Perspective

What is it about?

In the Warao Amerindian population of Venezuela's Orinoco Delta, the Child Survival-Index (CSI) was found to be 73.8% ±26, with infectious diseases responsible for 85% of childhood deaths. The survey showed that the two most common causes of death were gastroenteritis/diarrhea (63%) and acute respiratory tract Infection/pneumonia (18%). Deaths in children under five years accounted for 97.3% of childhood deaths, with 54% occurring in the neonatal period or first year of life. The study found that the Warao have a low CSI which is correlated with multidimensional poverty index (MPI) and maternal age. The research concluded that an integrated approach is urgently needed to improve child survival and overall health of the Warao Amerindians due to the low socioeconomic development, lack of infrastructure, and geographic and cultural isolation.

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Why is it important?

The article discusses the child survival index (CSI) in the Warao population, an indigenous group in Venezuela. The study highlights the low CSI, which is correlated with multidimensional poverty index (MPI) and maternal age. Infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis and acute respiratory tract infection, are responsible for 85% of childhood deaths in this population. The research emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to improve child survival and overall health in the Warao Amerindians, considering their low socioeconomic development, lack of infrastructure, and geographic and cultural isolation. Key Takeaways: 1. The Warao population in Venezuela has a low child survival index (CSI), which is correlated with multidimensional poverty index (MPI) and maternal age. 2. Infectious diseases are responsible for 85% of childhood deaths among the Warao Amerindians. 3. The study emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to improve child survival and overall health in the Warao population, considering their challenging living conditions.