Short report: The mother-child health passport: Austria's successful weapon against infant mortality

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The rapid decline in Austrian infant mortality is explained in terms of a new administrative program in that country entitled “The Mother-Child Health Passport.” The rationale and procedures involved in this plan are presented. Prenatal care was made more attractive to mothers by offering them a cash award payable upon completion of a specified number of examinations during pregnancy. One year after the program's commencement, the Austrian Health Department succeeded in linking a second set of examinations with further financial support contingent upon four checkups during an infant's first year of life. Approximately 95% of all pregnant women now participate in the Mother-Child Health Passport program. Infant mortality has declined by as much as 30% over the last five years.