AKIPRESS.COM - The infant mortality rate has dropped 3 times in Kazakhstan for the years of independence, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Use of modern methods of diagnosis and detection of fetal abnormalities at an early stage allowed to reduce infant mortality rate 3 times for years of independence: from 27.4 per 1000 live births in 1991 to 9.39 in 2015, the Ministry emphasized.

Over 1 thousand children are born daily in Kazakhstan, more than 400 thousands are born annually. Thus, the birth rate has increased over the past 5 years by 3%. For 5 years, the survival rate of children with the weight of 1500 grams increased by 30% and amounted to 60%.

Genetic and ultrasound screening are used for early detection of congenital malformations.

"With the development of neonatal surgery the number of operated infants increased by 50%, mortality from neonatal surgical pathology has decreased by 40% compared to 2010 for 3 years, " the Ministry said.

Maternal and child health is priority for the country's health system.