Macedonia has been ranked among the best countries in the world in reducing mortality among children under five, according to a new United Nations report.

Health Minister Azir Aliu announced that in the last decade, mortality among children under 5 has been reduced by 75 percent, from 11.1 to 2.8 per 1,000 live births. Neonatal mortality in particular has been reduced by 87 percent, dropping from 8.1 to 1.1 per 1,000 live births.

The Director of the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dr. Irena Aleksioska-Papestiev, attributed this success to coordinated national efforts, including updated clinical protocols, improved resuscitation procedures, infection prevention measures, investments in equipment, and training of healthcare staff.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health established a National Commission for the review of perinatal mortality, with the goal of evaluating every case of neonatal death and identifying systemic failures.

The authorities emphasized their continued commitment to strengthening perinatal care, particularly in underserved regions and for premature babies.