India has made significant strides in reducing child mortality over the past thirty years, according to the 2025 report by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation. The under-five mortality rate in the country has seen a substantial decline from 127 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 27 by 2024. A notable reduction has occurred since the year 2000, where the rate dropped from 92 to 26.6, marking an overall decrease of approximately 71%. Union Health Minister Jagat Prasad Nadda highlighted these achievements, stating that the country has become a leading example globally in addressing child mortality through continuous investments in maternal and child health initiatives.

Concerns Regarding Newborn Mortality

Although improvements in overall child mortality rates are evident, the report indicates that progress in reducing newborn deaths has been less marked. The neonatal mortality rate, which was 43.8 per 1,000 live births in 2000, has decreased to 16.7 in 2024, equating to a reduction of around 62%. This situation has resulted in newborns constituting the largest percentage of child deaths, with approximately 16.7 out of every 1,000 live births in 2024 occurring within the first month of life. Therefore, nearly two-thirds of child deaths are concentrated in this early period. Various conditions such as premature births, birth asphyxia, and infections are significant contributors to this issue. Dr. Arvind Kumar, a principal director and head of pediatrics at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, emphasized the need for improved care quality during pregnancy and childbirth to better protect newborn lives.

Statistics on Child Deaths in India

In absolute numbers, India experiences approximately 540,000 under-five deaths each year, with nearly 390,000 occurring among newborns. The numbers associated with older children have shown a quicker decline, linked to advancements in immunization, nutrition, and disease management methods. Dr. Varun Vij, a senior consultant in pediatrics and neonatology at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital in Saket, noted that the leading causes of death in newborns include prematurity, birth asphyxia, and sepsis, while older children often succumb to pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malnutrition. He asserted that many of these fatalities are preventable with adequate antenatal care, early breastfeeding, effective nutritional practices, and timely vaccinations.

Trends in Under-Five Mortality Rates

The data reveals an average annual decline of around 3.6% in under-five mortality rates from 1990 to 2024, with more significant reductions observable after the year 2000. This trend points to a positive trajectory, though the challenges presented by newborn mortality remain a pressing concern for health authorities in India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share