In 2023, the infant mortality rate in deaths per 1,000 live births in Zimbabwe amounted to 40.6. Between 1960 and 2023, the figure dropped by 38.8, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

Graph and download economic data for Infant Mortality Rate for Zimbabwe (SPDYNIMRTINZWE) from 1960 to 2023 about Zimbabwe, mortality, infant, and rate.

Historical dataset showing Zimbabwe infant mortality rate by year from 1950 to 2025.

Yearly (annual) dataset of the Zimbabwe Infant Mortality Rate, including historical data, latest releases, and long-term trends from 1960-12-31 to 2023-12-31. Available for free download in CSV format.

Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Infant: per 1000 Live Births data was reported at 40.000 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 42.000 Ratio for 2015. Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Infant: per 1000 Live Births data is updated yearly, averaging 61.200 Ratio from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 92.500 Ratio in 1960 and a record low of 40.000 Ratio in 2016. Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Infant: per 1000 Live Births data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zimbabwe – Table ZW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Infant mortality rate is the number of infants dying before reaching one year of age, per 1,000 live births in a given year.; ; Estimates developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division) at www.childmortality.org.; Weighted Average; Given that data on the incidence and prevalence of diseases are frequently unavailable, mortality rates are often used to identify vulnerable populations. Moreover, they are among the indicators most frequently used to compare socioeconomic development across countries. Under-five mortality rates are higher for boys than for girls in countries in which parental gender preferences are insignificant. Under-five mortality captures the effect of gender discrimination better than infant mortality does, as malnutrition and medical interventions have more significant impacts to this age group. Where female under-five mortality is higher, girls are likely to have less access to resources than boys.

Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Under-5: Male: per 1000 Live Births data was reported at 61.500 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 65.000 Ratio for 2015. Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Under-5: Male: per 1000 Live Births data is updated yearly, averaging 81.400 Ratio from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 103.600 Ratio in 2000 and a record low of 61.500 Ratio in 2016. Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Under-5: Male: per 1000 Live Births data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zimbabwe – Table ZW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Under-five mortality rate, male is the probability per 1,000 that a newborn male baby will die before reaching age five, if subject to male age-specific mortality rates of the specified year.; ; Estimates Developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division) at www.childmortality.org.; Weighted Average; Given that data on the incidence and prevalence of diseases are frequently unavailable, mortality rates are often used to identify vulnerable populations. Moreover, they are among the indicators most frequently used to compare socioeconomic development across countries. Under-five mortality rates are higher for boys than for girls in countries in which parental gender preferences are insignificant. Under-five mortality captures the effect of gender discrimination better than infant mortality does, as malnutrition and medical interventions have more significant impacts to this age group. Where female under-five mortality is higher, girls are likely to have less access to resources than boys.

Actual value and historical data chart for Zimbabwe Mortality Rate Infant Male Per 1000 Live Births

Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births) in Zimbabwe was reported at 40.6 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zimbabwe - Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on November of 2025.

Time series data for the statistic Infant_Mortality_Rate_Per_1000_Live_Births and country Zimbabwe. Indicator Definition:Infant mortality rate is the number of infants dying before reaching one year of age, per 1,000 live births in a given year.The statistic "Infant Mortality Rate Per 1000 Live Births" stands at 40.60 per mille as of 12/31/2023, the lowest value at least since 12/31/1961, the period currently displayed. Regarding the One-Year-Change of the series, the current value constitutes a decrease of -1.60 percentage points compared to the value the year prior.The 1 year change in percentage points is -1.60.The 3 year change in percentage points is -4.30.The 5 year change in percentage points is -6.80.The 10 year change in percentage points is -16.40.The Serie's long term average value is 62.32 per mille. It's latest available value, on 12/31/2023, is 21.72 percentage points lower, compared to it's long term average value.The Serie's change in percentage points from it's minimum value, on 12/31/2023, to it's latest available value, on 12/31/2023, is +0.0.The Serie's change in percentage points from it's maximum value, on 12/31/1960, to it's latest available value, on 12/31/2023, is -38.80.

Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Under-5: per 1000 Live Births data was reported at 56.400 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 59.900 Ratio for 2015. Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Under-5: per 1000 Live Births data is updated yearly, averaging 97.700 Ratio from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 150.500 Ratio in 1960 and a record low of 56.400 Ratio in 2016. Zimbabwe ZW: Mortality Rate: Under-5: per 1000 Live Births data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zimbabwe – Table ZW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Under-five mortality rate is the probability per 1,000 that a newborn baby will die before reaching age five, if subject to age-specific mortality rates of the specified year.; ; Estimates Developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division) at www.childmortality.org.; Weighted average; Given that data on the incidence and prevalence of diseases are frequently unavailable, mortality rates are often used to identify vulnerable populations. Moreover, they are among the indicators most frequently used to compare socioeconomic development across countries. Under-five mortality rates are higher for boys than for girls in countries in which parental gender preferences are insignificant. Under-five mortality captures the effect of gender discrimination better than infant mortality does, as malnutrition and medical interventions have more significant impacts to this age group. Where female under-five mortality is higher, girls are likely to have less access to resources than boys.

Odds ratio from a logistic regression of neonatal mortality, infant mortality, and institutional deliveries on IMNCI strategy in Zimbabwe, 2010–2015, by urbanicity and mother’s education level.

Zimbabwe ZW: Number of Death: Infant data was reported at 21,255.000 Person in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 22,300.000 Person for 2015. Zimbabwe ZW: Number of Death: Infant data is updated yearly, averaging 21,088.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 29,619.000 Person in 2009 and a record low of 16,239.000 Person in 1960. Zimbabwe ZW: Number of Death: Infant data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zimbabwe – Table ZW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Number of infants dying before reaching one year of age.; ; Estimates developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division) at www.childmortality.org.; Sum;

In 2023, the crude birth rate in live births per 1,000 inhabitants in Zimbabwe stood at 30.41. Between 1960 and 2023, the figure dropped by 17.08, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

Falsification and robustness checks using previous rounds of the demographic and health surveys.

Actual value and historical data chart for Zimbabwe Number Of Infant Deaths

Abstract

The 1994 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) is a nationally representative survey of 6,128 women age 15-49 and 2,141 men age 15-54. The ZDHS was implemented by the Central Statistical Office (CSO), with significant technical guidance provided by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOH&CW) and the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC). Macro International Inc. (U.S.A.) provided technical assistance throughout the course of the project in the context of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) programme, while financial assistance was provided by the U.S, Agency for International Development (USAID/Harare). Data collection for the ZDHS was conducted from July to November 1994.

As in the 1988 ZDHS, the 1994 ZDHS was designed to provide information on levels and trends in fertility, family planning knowledge and use, infant and child mortality, and maternal and child health. How- ever, the 1994 ZDHS went further, collecting data on: compliance with contraceptive pill use, knowledge and behaviours related to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and mortality related to pregnancy and childbearing (i.e., maternal mortality). The ZDHS data are intended for use by programme managers and policymakers to evaluate and improve family planning and health programmes in Zimbabwe.

The primary objectives of the 1994 ZDHS were to provide up-to-date information on: fertility levels; nuptiality; sexual activity; fertility preferences; awareness and use of family planning methods; breastfeeding practices; nutritional status of mothers and young children; early childhood mortality and maternal mortality; maternal and child health, and awareness and behaviour regarding AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The 1994 ZDHS is a follow-up of the 1988 ZDHS, also implemented by CSO. While significantly expanded in scope, the 1994 ZDHS provides updated estimates of basic demographic and health indicators covered in the earlier survey.

MAIN RESULTS

FERTILITY

Survey results show that Zimbabwe has experienced a fairly rapid decline in fertility over the past decade.

Despite the decline in fertility, childbearing still begins early for many women. One in five women age 15-19 has begun childbearing (i.e., has already given birth or is pregnant with her first child). More than half of women have had a child before age 20.

Births that occur too soon after a previous birth face higher risks of undemutrition, illness, and death. The 1994 ZDHS indicates that 12 percent of births in Zimbabwe take place less than two years after a prior birth.

Marriage. The age at which women and men marry has risen slowly over the past 20 years. Nineteen percent of currently married women are in a polygynous union (i.e., their husband has at least one other wife). This represents a small rise in polygyny since the 1988 ZDHS when 17 percent of married women were in polygynous unions.

Fertility Preferences. Around one-third of both women and men in Zimbabwe want no more children. The survey results show that, of births in the last three years, 1 in 10 was unwanted and in 1 in three was mistimed. If all unwanted births were avoided, the fertility rate in Zimbabwe would fall from 4.3 to 3.5 children per woman.

FAMILY PLANNING

Knowledge and use of family planning in Zimbabwe has continued to rise over the last several years. The 1994 ZDHS shows that virtually all married women (99 percent) and men (100 percent) were able to cite at least one modem method of contraception. Contraceptive use varies widely among geographic and socioeconomic subgroups. Fifty-eight per- cent of married women in Harare are using a modem method versus 28 percent in Manicaland. Government-sponsored providers remain the chief source of contraceptive methods in Zimbabwe. Survey results show that 15 percent of married women have an unmet need for family planning (either for spacing or limiting births).

CHILDHOOD MORTALITY

One of the main objectives of the ZDHS was to document the levels and trends in mortality among children under age five. The 1994 ZDHS results show that child survival prospects have not improved since the late 1980s. The ZDHS results show that childhood mortality is especially high when associated with two factors: short preceding birth interval and low level of maternal education.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

Utilisation of antenatal services is high in Zimbabwe; in the three years before the survey, mothers received antenatal care for 93 percent of births. About 70 percent of births take place in health facilities; however, this figure varies from around 53 percent in Manicaland and Mashonaland Central to 94 percent in Bulawayo. It is important for the health of both the mother and child that trained medical personnel are available in cases of prolonged or obstructed delivery, which are major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Twenty-four percent of children under age three were reported to have had diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey.

Nutrition. Almost all children (99 percent) are breastfed for some period of time; When food supplementation begins, wide disparity exists in the types of food received by children in different geographic and socioecoaomic groups. Generally, children living in urban areas (Harare and Bulawayo, in particular) and children of more educated women receive protein-rich foods (e.g., meat, eggs, etc.) on a more regular basis than other children.

AIDS

AIDS-related Knowledge and Behaviour. All but a fraction of Zimbabwean women and men have heard of AIDS, but the quality of that knowledge is sometimes poor. Condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners were cited most frequently by both women and men as ways to avoid the AIDS Virus. While general knowledge of condoms is nearly universal among both women and men, when asked where they could get a condom, 30 Percent of women and 20 percent of men could not cite a single source.

Geographic coverage

The 1994 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) is a nationally representative survey.

Analysis unit

• Household
• Women age 15-49
• Men age 15-54
• Children under five years

Universe

The population covered by the 1994 ZDHS is defined as the universe of all women age 15-49 in Zimbabwe and all men age 15-54 living in the household.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

SAMPLING FRAME

The area sampling frame for the ZDHS was the 1992 Zimbabwe Master Sample (ZMS92), which was developed by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) following the 1992 Population Census for use in demographic and socio-economic surveys. The sample for ZMS92 was designed to be almost nationally representative: people residing on state land (national parks, safari areas, etc.) and in institutions, which account for less than one percent of the total population, were not included. The sample was stratified and selected in two stages. With the exception of Harare and Bulawayo, each of the other eight provinces in the country was stratified into four groups according to land use: communal land, large-scale farming, urban and semi-urban areas, and small scale fanning and resettlement areas. In Harare and Bulawayo, only an urban stratum was formed.

The primary sampling unit (PSU) was the enumeration area (EA), as defined in the 1992 Population Census. A total of 395 EAs were selected with probability proportional to size, the size being the number of households enumerated in the 1992 Population Census. The selection of the EAs was a systematic, one- stage operation, carried out independently for each of 34 strata. In each stratum, implicit stratification was introduced by ordering the EAs geographically within the hierarchy of administrative units (wards and districts within provinces).

An evaluation of the ZMS92 showed that it oversampled urban areas: in the ZMS92 the proportion of urban households is about 36 percent while, according to the preliminary results of the 1992 Population Census, this proportion is about 32 percent.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ZDHS SAMPLE

The sample for the ZDHS was selected from the ZMS92 master sample in two stages. In the first stage, 230 EAs were selected with equal probabilities. Since the EAs in the ZMS92 master sample were selected with probability proportional to size from the sampling frame, equal probability selection of a subsample of these EAs for the ZDHS was equivalent to selection with probability proportional to size from the entire sampling frame. A complete listing of the households in the selected EAs was carried out. The list of households obtained was used as the frame for the second-stage sampling, which was the selection of the households to be visited by the ZDHS interviewing teams during the main survey fieldwork. Women between the ages of 15 and 49 were identified in these households and interviewed. In 40 percent of the households selected for the main survey, men between the ages of 15 and 54 were interviewed with a male questionnaire.

SAMPLE ALLOCATION

Stratification in the ZDHS consisted of grouping the ZMS92 strata into two main strata only: urban and rural. Thus the ZDHS rural stratum consists of communal land, large scale farming, and small scale farming and resettlement areas, while the ZDHS urban stratum corresponds exactly to the urban/semi-urban stratum of the ZMS92.

The proportional allocation would result in a completely self-weighting sample but did not allow for reliable estimates for provinces. Results of other demographic and health surveys show that a minimum sample of 1,000 women i:; required in order to obtain estimates of fertility and childhood mortality rates at an acceptable level of sampling errors. Given that the total sample

The total life expectancy at birth in Zimbabwe was 62.78 years in 2023. Between 1960 and 2023, the life expectancy at birth rose by 9.29 years, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

Graph and download economic data for Life Expectancy at Birth, Total for Zimbabwe (SPDYNLE00INZWE) from 1960 to 2023 about Zimbabwe, life expectancy, life, and birth.

Zimbabwe ZW: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data was reported at 61.163 Year in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 60.398 Year for 2015. Zimbabwe ZW: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 54.800 Year from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 61.163 Year in 2016 and a record low of 44.109 Year in 2002. Zimbabwe ZW: Life Expectancy at Birth: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zimbabwe – Table ZW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Life expectancy at birth indicates the number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of mortality at the time of its birth were to stay the same throughout its life.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Over the last two observations, the life expectancy has significantly increased in all gender groups As part of the positive trend, the life expectancy reaches the maximum value for the different genders at the end of the comparison period. Particularly noteworthy is the life expectancy of women at birth, which has the highest value of 65.01 years. Life expectancy at birth refers to the number of years the average newborn is expected to live, providing that mortality patterns at the time of birth do not change thereafter.Find further similar statistics for other countries or regions like Tanzania and Iran.