Penza, 12 July 2013. PenzaNews. The infant mortality index amounted to 4,6 per one thousand born alive in the Penza region, according to preliminary data for the first half of 2013.

The press service of the regional department of the Ministry of Health stated that in the first five months of this year, the index in Russia amounted to 8,4 per one thousand born alive.

“In accordance with the presidential decree, the infant mortality rate should not exceed 8,2,” the department noted.

The press service added that, according to preliminary estimates, over 6,830 children were born in the Penza region during 6 months of 2013.

“The birth rate amounted to 10,1 per one thousand people,” the press service marked.