Context:
A UN report highlights that India has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, even as global gains slow down.
Key Highlights:
- Global Scenario
- 4.9 million under-5 deaths globally (2024)
- Reduction slowed by 60% since 2015
- India’s Achievements
- Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):
- Reduced from 57 (1990) → 17 (2024)
- Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR):
- Reduced from 127 (1990) → 27 (2024)
- Causes of Child Mortality
- Neonatal deaths:
- Preterm complications (36%)
- Birth complications (21%)
- Post-neonatal deaths:
- Malaria, diarrhoea, pneumonia
- Global Concerns
- Sub-Saharan Africa → 58% of deaths
- Malnutrition major underlying factor
- Adolescents:
- Self-harm (girls)
- Road accidents (boys)
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):
- Deaths within first 28 days per 1,000 live births
- Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR):
- Probability of dying before age 5
- Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM):
- Extreme nutritional deficiency → high mortality risk
- Key Global Agencies:
- UNICEF, WHO, World Bank involved in tracking child health
Relevant Mains Points:
- Factors Behind India’s Progress
- Expansion of institutional deliveries
- Improved immunisation coverage (Mission Indradhanush)
- Strengthening of primary healthcare system
- Nutrition programmes (e.g., POSHAN Abhiyaan)
- Persistent Challenges
- Regional disparities (rural vs urban)
- High burden of malnutrition
- Quality of neonatal care
- Adolescent health issues
- Governance & Policy Issues
- Need for integrated health and nutrition approach
- Addressing social determinants of health
- Strengthening public health infrastructure
- Way Forward
- Focus on maternal and neonatal healthcare
- Strengthen nutrition interventions
- Improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas
- Invest in adolescent health programs
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 2 – Social Justice (health, nutrition)
• GS 3 – Economy (human capital development)