Final answer:
Improving the birthweight of newborn infants is crucial in addressing the mortality rate associated with low-birthweight and preterm infants, as it directly tackles the root cause of the issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to address the mortality rate associated with low-birthweight and preterm infants is by improving the birthweight of newborn infants. This is because low birthweight, caused by maternal undernutrition and intrauterine growth restriction, makes infants more susceptible to disease and increases their risk of dying in infancy. Improving birthweight can be achieved through addressing maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy, thus leading to better outcomes for the newborn. While supporting breastfeeding and improving infant formulas are also beneficial actions, they are not as central to addressing the root cause of low birthweight as is optimizing the health of the mother during gestation.
The issues of low birthweight and preterm birth are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to ensure that expectant mothers receive proper nutrition and prenatal care. Public health interventions that focus on improving access to healthcare services, education, sanitation, and clean water are critical. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as poverty, accessibility to health services, and education can significantly influence birth outcomes. Therefore, addressing these underlying determinants is essential for reducing infant mortality rates and improving birthweights.