Topic: Reducing Infant Mortality
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Serin Joice
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Korea position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Compared to the communist-style government installed in the north, South Korea has become a high-tech industrialized economy through incredible growth and global integration in the past four decades. In the 1960s, South Korea’s GDP was comparable to poorer countries of Africa and Asia; by 2004, South Korea joined the club of high standing world economies and now has the 12th largest economy. Seeing how a country’s population, economical, and overall growth is dependent on a country’s birth rate and death rate, the issue of infant mortality holds importance in South Korea as it is a growing and developing country. There are 1.3 births per woman and an infant mortality rate of 3.86 deaths per 1000 live births, South Korea places high importance on the state of their citizens and the overall health of their economy.
South Korea implements national health insurance coverage, which leads to a higher standard of health care regardless of nationality or profession. Every Korean citizen is automatically enrolled for health insurance and has to pay a premium depending on income and economic standing. Focusing on pregnancy and prenatal care, Korea offers a variety of plans and opportunities for parents to be prepared. Prenatal kits are available at all chemists and pharmacies and every district also has a local medical center that is open to everyone, including foreigners. This assures that every person is receiving accurate information, regardless of rural or urban Along with birthing classes and varying medical centres, South Korea’s health insurance covers a majority of delivery costs and provides a “Go On Mom Card” which pays up to KRW 400,000 for medical expenses. This assures that many families are receiving the health care necessary for their children at an affordable price. Through the provisions taken by the Korean healthcare system, families are assured accurate information regarding pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and caring for newborns.
South Korea’s infant mortality rate is 3.86 deaths per 1000 live births, this rate reflects their affordable health insurance policy and ranks them 194th in the world for infant mortality rate. Neighboring countries face much higher infant mortality rates: North Korea – 23.68, China – 12.44, Indonesia – 24.29. To aid other countries, programs such as UNICEF and Planned Parenthood Global need to place a higher focus on the cause of infant mortality and prenatal care. More information about breastfeeding and caring for newborns need to be made clearer at doctor’s visits or medical centers – this will help alleviate any doubts or false information provided. Although information is hard to reach in urban areas, providing health care in various locations or ensuring a district medical center, can help make information more accessible and reliable. Infant mortality is a leading problem that affects a multitude of countries. Although steps are currently being taken, we need to emphasize the need for reliable and affordable healthcare in developing countries.
