In response to the outbreak, Mississippi state health officials have issued a public health emergency. Specifically, they are responding to a deeply concerning increase in the state’s infant mortality rate. In 2024, that rate jumped to 15.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, an increase from 12.3 in 2023. This dangerous trend has resulted in an unprecedented call for officials to act now to investigate and sufficiently address the root causes feeding this crisis.
These social determinants have led to over 3,500 babies in Mississippi dying over the last decade, before even reaching their first birthday. New MSDH data confirms that the state is in the midst of a crisis that has financially devastating impacts on Black infants. They experience twice as high mortality rates as white infants. The mortality rate for white infants has just gone down every year, from a 7.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022 to 5.8 in 2024. The statistics for Black infants continue to be frighteningly high, demonstrating the clear need for targeted interventions.
Congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are the top reasons for infant deaths. These compounded factors greatly increase the likelihood of dying in infancy. Fulfilling the promise despite concerted outreach from health officials that addressing these root causes is key to reversing the trend.
Dr. Dan Edney, the state health officer, expressed his concern regarding the situation, stating, “Too many Mississippi families are losing their babies before their first birthday.” He pointed out that addressing the needs of mothers is key to decreasing Black infant mortality rates.
“Improving maternal health is the best way to reduce infant mortality. That means better access to prenatal and postpartum care, stronger community support and more resources for moms and babies.” – Dr. Dan Edney
Nick produces Mississippi health officials’ response to the increasing rates of plaguing health specialties. They partnered with several other nonprofits including the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MSAAP) who fervently advocates for policy solutions to alleviate children’s lead crisis. Dr. Patricia Tibbs of MSAAP highlighted the necessity of collective action, stating, “These tragic losses are an urgent call to action for all who care about children.”
The state aims to eliminate “OB deserts,” areas lacking adequate maternity care services, by leveraging county health departments to enhance prenatal care access. Mississippi currently ranks as having over 50% of its counties defined as maternal care deserts. This shocking statistic should deeply worry us about the state of maternal health care access.
Dr. Anita Henderson remarked on the pressing need for adequate healthcare resources, noting, “In the last few years, we have seen a number of hospitals in the state close their [labor and delivery] units. We are concerned that if this trend continues, there will be an increasing amount of OB deserts.”
To address these issues, Mississippi is increasing community health worker programs and reinforcing home visiting efforts. In addition, there has been increased emphasis on safe sleep education and practices to further mitigate risks of SIDS.
Even with these positive signs, big worries remain over harmful cuts to Medicaid funding that would roll back all this progress. Dr. Henderson warned that such cuts might negatively impact reimbursement rates for hospitals and clinics, exacerbating existing maternal care deserts.
“The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ contains cuts to Medicaid that may negatively impact reimbursement to hospitals and clinics.” – Dr. Anita Henderson
Dr. Jade A. Cobern, a board-certified pediatrician and medical fellow of the ABC News Medical Unit, resonates with these concerns. She is passionate about equitable policy that ensures access to quality maternal health care for all.
