Evaluating maternal and child health indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals in 2018: what is Iran’s position?

Objectives: Given that many Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) could not be achieved, countries, including Iran, despite achieving some MDGs, need regular planning to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This article examines the status of mother and child indicators in the early years of the SDG in Iran and several countries. Methods: This study was carried out using Secondary Analysis and examined the status of maternal and child indicators in Iran, and this was taken into comparison with three groups of countries (upper-middle incomes, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the countries of the Outlook Document- a regional division). Then, the relationship between these indicators and the Human Development Index was investigated. Results: Iran, compared to other countries, had a better status in maternal death, family planning, skilled birth attendance, under-five death, hepatitis B incidence, DTP3 vaccination coverage, and antenatal care in comparison with under-five wasting, stunting, and children care-seeking behavior indicators. Conclusion: Iran in general, among the 11 indicators surveyed among selected countries, has a higher than average and median position and seems to have an improving trend. Maintenance and continuation of interventions in the field of maternal and child health are recommended in the country.