Maharashtra witnesses decline in child and infant mortality rates

Sumitra Debroy / TNN / Feb 21, 2024, 14:43 IST

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Maharashtra achieves significant reduction in child mortality rates. Infant mortality rate drops from 19 to 16 per 1000 live births. Neonatal mortality rate stands at 11, fulfilling SDG 2030 target. Special initiatives like SNCUs and NBSUs in district and sub-district hospitals have contributed to the progress, but improvement needed in rural and tribal areas.

Maharashtra witnesses decline in child and infant mortality rates

Image used for representational purpose only

MUMBAI: Maharashtra has achieved a significant reduction in child mortality rates, with the infant mortality rate dropping from 19 per 1000 live births in 2018 to 16 per 1000 live births in 2020, according to the latest data from the central government’s 2020 Sample Registration System (SRS) report.
A decline has also been observed in neonatal mortality, with the neonatal mortality rate now standing at 11. This achievement fulfills the target of reducing the neonatal mortality rate to less than 12 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030), as stated by state health officials.
"The notable reduction in child mortality rates in Maharashtra reflects the success of several key initiatives undertaken by the public health department," stated an official.
The establishment of 53 Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) in district and sub-district hospitals has been instrumental, providing essential care for over 56,000 infants, particularly those underweight or jaundiced, according to a release by the state government.

Additionally, the operation of 200 Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs) in rural and sub-district hospitals has contributed to the treatment of over 24,000 newborns with mild diseases.
The Mother Absolute Affection (Maa) Program has made a significant impact on breastfeeding education, with more than 172,000 mother meetings conducted, counseling approximately 1.4 million mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

The Anemia Free India Program, part of the larger Poshan Abhiyan, has addressed anemia concerns by providing preventive supplements to specific demographic groups and offering necessary treatment and referral services.
"Furthermore, the Newborn Care at Home Level and Care of Young Children at Home programs, involving comprehensive training for ASHA workers, have ensured home visits and health checks, emphasizing nutrition, early childhood development, and hygiene," stated the state health department.
While activists have praised the progress, they also emphasize the need for improvement in rural and tribal areas.

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About the Author

Sumitra Debroy

Sumitra Deb Roy is a health journalist with more than 17 years of experience across India’s leading newspapers. She is currently a senior assistant editor with the Times of India, where she has extensively covered the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the unprecedented challenges faced by the health systems in Mumbai and Maharashtra. She recently co-authored a book titled “Mumbai Fights Back” that chronicles the city’s battle with Covid-19. She holds a postgraduate degree in journalism from the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai and a bachelor’s in political science from Calcutta University.

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