OBJECTIVE:
to describe the evolution of preventable infant mortality in the central region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, 1999-2011.
METHODS:
this was a descriptive study using data from national mortality and live birth information systems, with avoidable deaths being classified according to the Brazilian List of Preventable Deaths; infant mortality rates (IMR) were estimated according to intervention subgroups and leading causes of death.
RESULTS:
avoidable IMR decreased from 14.5 in 1999-2001 to 7.7/1000 live births in 2009-2011 (46.9%), with a greater reduction in the 'health/promotion care' subgroup (60.2%) and a smaller reduction in the 'care of the woman during pregnancy' subgroup (17.1%); however, between 2009-2011 65% of infant deaths were still due to avoidable causes.
CONCLUSION:
decrease of avoidable infant mortality in the region indicates positive health system changes; however, there are still large proportions of preventable deaths and, in particular, the challenge of better evaluation of the quality of prenatal care.
Infant Mortality; Cause of Death; Health Services Accessibility; Epidemiology; Descriptive
