Some municipalities' infant mortality matches poor countries
Correio da Manhã reports that while Portugal's national infant mortality rate stabilised in 2025, several municipalities — notably in the Algarve and Greater Lisbon — recorded infant mortality levels comparable to much poorer countries. The paper says rates rose in 2024 then stabilised last year, and it highlights local variations rather than a uniform national trend. Parents and residents in affected municipalities (concelhos) should follow local health-service information and regional initiatives addressing neonatal care.
The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of children under one year per 1,000 live births in a year; in Portuguese this is called taxa de mortalidade infantil. It matters because the rate is a basic indicator of neonatal care, maternal health and social conditions—so a report that it 'stabilized in 2025' means national levels stopped falling but local spikes in some municipalities could signal unequal access to care and affect where families choose to live or seek services.
Portugal's infant mortality has been low by global standards, generally around 2–3 deaths per 1,000 live births in recent years, which is similar to or slightly below the EU average (about 3–3.5 per 1,000). For comparison, Spain is roughly 2–2.5, France and Germany about 3–3.5, and the United States around 5–6 per 1,000; exact yearly figures change, so check Eurostat or WHO for the latest data.
