Decline in Infant Mortality Rate in India: United Nations 

Why in News? 

Decline in Infant Mortality Rate in India: According to a recent United Nations report, India has made remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality rates. The global body has considered India’s achievement as an inspiring model for other countries.

Key Highlights from the United Nations Report

The recent United Nations report titled “Levels & Trends in Child Mortality” highlights the success of global and Indian health initiatives and strategic investments.

• According to the report, many low and lower-middle-income countries have shown better progress in reducing under-five mortality rates than the global average since 2000.
• In 2023, the number of children dying before the age of five globally dropped to 4.8 million (4.8 lakh).
• Since 2000, child mortality has reduced by more than half, and the number of stillbirths has decreased by one-third.
• In 2022, for the first time, the number of under-five child deaths fell below 5 million (5 lakh).
• India has reduced under-five mortality by 70% and neonatal mortality by 61% since 2000.
• India’s Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, provides coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, improving healthcare access. It offers free treatment, medicines, and nutrition support to pregnant women and infants.
• India has set up Maternity Waiting Homes, Newborn Stabilization Units, Maternal and Child Health Wings, and Birth Defect Screening Programs. These efforts have reduced childbirth complications and infant mortality.
• Through improved digital monitoring systems and training community health workers, India has expanded healthcare access in rural and remote areas.
• India has reduced mortality rates for premature and critically ill newborns by using facilities like antenatal corticosteroids, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and vision and hearing tests.
• In 2000, India had the highest measles-related child mortality, with 189,000 deaths and a vaccination rate of only 56%. By 2023, the measles vaccination rate reached 93%, with a 97% reduction in deaths.
• Countries like Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and Burundi have also made significant progress in reducing child mortality.

What is the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)?

• • Definition: IMR refers to the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given region. It reflects the quality of healthcare, social conditions, and environmental factors.
  • Calculation: IMR is calculated by dividing the number of infant deaths (under one year) in a specific year by the total number of live births in that year, then multiplying by 1,000.
• Key Factors:
  • Mother’s education level
  • Sanitation conditions
  • Availability of safe drinking water
  • Vaccination against infectious diseases
  • Nutrition levels
  • Quality of healthcare infrastructure
• Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): This refers to the probability of children dying before the age of five per 1,000 live births.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): This indicates the number of deaths among newborns (within the first 28 days) per 1,000 live births. It reflects the quality of newborn care and medical facilities.

India’s Position in Infant Mortality

• India has shown continuous improvement in U5MR (Under-Five Mortality Rate). In 2019, U5MR was 35 per 1,000 live births, which dropped to 32 in 2020, showing an 8.6% annual decline, a positive sign.
• The mortality rate among girls is higher than boys. In 2020, U5MR was 33 for girls and 31 for boys. However, the mortality rate dropped by 4 points for boys and 3 points for girls compared to the previous year.
• NMR (Neonatal Mortality Rate) also showed improvement. In 2019, it was 22 per 1,000 live births, which decreased to 20 in 2020.
• Despite this progress, continuous efforts are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.
• Several Indian states have shown remarkable improvement in reducing U5MR. Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka recorded the highest decline.
• Six states/UTs — Kerala (4), Delhi (9), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu & Kashmir (12), and Punjab (12) — have already achieved the SDG target for NMR.
• Eleven states have achieved the U5MR target of 25 by 2030.

Factors Affecting Infant Mortality Rate in India

• Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a major cause of infant mortality in India. According to NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey-5), 58.6% to 67% of children under five suffer from anemia, which is a serious concern. Malnutrition and anemia weaken the immune system, making children more vulnerable to infections.
• Non-Institutional Deliveries: Home deliveries instead of hospital deliveries increase the risk of infections. Although institutional deliveries have improved in India, the rate is still lower compared to developed countries. Lack of proper medical care during non-institutional deliveries leads to complications and higher infant mortality.
• Preterm Births: Preterm births and stillbirths are major contributors to infant mortality. Globally, 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely, while in India, the rate is 1 in 6-7 births. Preterm babies face a higher risk of complications and death.
• Weak Immunity: Weak immunity is a key factor in many infant deaths. Diseases like pneumonia, neonatal infections, preterm birth complications, low birth weight, diarrhea, and birth asphyxia are the main causes of neonatal mortality. Low vaccination rates increase children’s vulnerability to serious infections.
• Mother’s Age: Babies born to younger mothers have a higher risk of anemia and malnutrition. Studies show that preterm babies are 2 to 4 times more likely to die than full-term babies born after 37 weeks.

Government Initiatives to Reduce Infant Mortality in India

• Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Launched in 2018, this mission aims to reduce malnutrition in children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers by providing nutrition, healthcare services, and awareness programs.
• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Campaign: Launched in 2018, this campaign aims to reduce anemia rates by 1-3% per year. It promotes iron and folic acid supplements, nutritious diets, and regular health check-ups.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): This scheme provides Rs. 6,000 directly to pregnant women’s bank accounts for better nutrition and prenatal care.
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Started in 1975, ICDS provides essential services like food, preschool education, health check-ups, immunization, and primary healthcare to children under six years and their mothers.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): This program offers free healthcare services to pregnant women and newborns, covering delivery, medicines, tests, and transportation.
• Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY): Under Ayushman Bharat, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides health insurance of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. Ayushman Bharat ensures better healthcare for economically weaker families and improves maternal and child health.

Measures to Reduce Infant Mortality

• Family Planning: Promoting family planning services helps reduce preterm births and stillbirths. It allows women to plan pregnancies better and prioritize their health.
• Antenatal Care: Providing high-quality prenatal services is essential for pregnant women. This includes regular health check-ups, nutritional counseling, and iron-folic acid supplements. Addressing nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy improves newborn health.
• Nutritional Improvement: Effective implementation of nutrition programs for pregnant women and newborns is needed. Anganwadi and health centers should provide nutrition counseling to help women choose a healthy diet for themselves and their children.
• Equal Access to Healthcare: Bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare is crucial. Rural areas still lack adequate maternal and child healthcare services. Mobile medical units, telemedicine, and community health programs can improve healthcare access in remote areas.

Explore our Books: https://apnipathshala.com/product-category/books/

Explore Our test Series: https://tests.apnipathshala.com/