INFANT MORTALITY IN THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF AMAZONAS: ANALYSIS OF AVOIDABLE CAUSES IN THE THREE YEARS 2018 TO 2020

Abstract

Neonatal mortality remains a global challenge, with significant impacts on public health and social development. This study aims to analyze the preventable causes of infant mortality in Manaus between 2018 and 2020, highlighting factors associated with neonatal and post-neonatal deaths. This is a descriptive and retrospective study based on secondary data from SIM and SINASC. Deaths of children under one year of age were classified as early neonatal, late neonatal, and post-neonatal, using the Brazilian List of Preventable Causes of Deaths. A total of 1,535 deaths were recorded, of which 59.4% were preventable, with a higher prevalence in the early neonatal component (62.9%). Bacterial septicemia and respiratory complications were the predominant causes. The late neonatal component increased by 137% in 2020, possibly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The results reinforce the need for improvements in prenatal and neonatal care, professional training, and preventive strategies, such as infection control and strengthening of the National Immunization Program. Public policies should consider local specificities to reduce infant mortality in Manaus.