Objective:

to identify health inequalities associated with perinatal mortality during the Ten-Year Public Health Plan 2012-2021 in the 42 municipalities of the Department of Cauca, Colombia.

Methods:

ecological study that addressed the period 2012 - 2021 based on data from secondary sources from the National Administrative Department of Statistics. The study population was women between 12 and 49 years of age residing in Cauca. Rank inequalities and regression models were calculated according to the Slope Inequality Index, the Relative Inequality Index and the Concentration Index.

Results:

42 municipalities reported 3 110 perinatal deaths. The mean age of the affected women was 25,3 years with a predominance of the 20-24 years age group. The Pacific region reported the highest mortality rate. Ethnicity, illiteracy and the Multidimensional Poverty Index were statistically associated with mortality. There was greater inequality in perinatal mortality in municipalities with worse socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

despite the operationalization of the Ten-Year Public Health Plan, perinatal mortality in Cauca continues to be a challenge in the health/disease process. There is disparity in perinatal mortality in relation to socioeconomic level, and although a decrease in inequality has been observed over the years, significant gaps still persist. The findings underscore the need to monitor and account for health inequalities in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies to prevent perinatal mortality.

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