NEW DELHI (India CSR): It is said, never challenge the determination of a woman, you could be for a surprise. Her mind is much stronger when she decides to set things right. And there cannot be a bigger example than setting right the Child Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
World Health Day Theme
The World Healthy Day – being observed on 7th April 2025, has set the theme as “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” – emphasizing upon the importance of early-life health and recognizing the need for a strong foundation in childhood that sets the stage for a healthy life. Perhaps this theme should have been taken up much before.
In India, the Child Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio have gone through unprecedented change, though a lot needs to be done in coming years.
The Child Mortality Rate has gone down significantly year after year – from 37.66/1000 live births in the year 2014, to 32/1000 live births in 2018, to 25.5/1000 live births in 2022 and 24.97/1000 live births in 2025.
Maternal Mortality Decline
Similarly, the Maternal Mortality Ratio in India has shown a notable decline over the years, with the Sample Registration System (SRS) data indicating a reduction from 167 per 100,000 live births in 2011-2013 to 130 in 2014-2016, further dropping to 122 in 2015-2017 and 113 in 2016-2018. The latest report – year 2020 – shows 97/100,000 live births.
India’s Global Commitments
India had committed to the UN target for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for MMR at 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 and NHP (National Health Policy) 2017 target for MMR less than 100 per 100,000 live births by 2020. India has already accomplished the National Health Policy (NHP) target for Maternal Mortality Ratio.
Policy and Awareness Impact
The difference came in India through unwavering decisions by women, awareness campaigns launched by the government and also corporates, and systematic and significant changes in government policies for women and newborns.
Challenges for Women
It was never easy for Indian women, particularly rural and tribal women, to come out of the boundaries of mental blocks and take significant decisions to protect their own health and the health of the child. Perhaps this changed the ethos of society as a whole.
Future Health Priorities
The future will depend upon our collective efforts to ensure that every child, regardless of where they are born, has the opportunity to grow up in a healthy environment. Supporting maternal health, improving education, and addressing social inequalities are essential steps toward achieving this goal.
India has seen a significant reduction in maternal mortality over the last decade due to increased awareness, improved healthcare infrastructure, and better access to maternal services.
Government’s Key Initiatives
The Indian government has launched several programs to improve maternal and child health, such as the National Health Mission (NHM), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). These initiatives focus on providing financial support, free healthcare services, and improving access to skilled birth attendants.
Immunization and Nutrition
The Universal Immunization Program (UIP) has helped reduce child mortality rates. Various initiatives focusing on child nutrition, such as Poshan Abhiyaan, aim to tackle malnutrition by providing children with essential nutrients.
The road ahead is not easy, but it’s not difficult either. There are two ways to look at it :-
(1) Try changing others,
(2) Decide to bring the change to ourselves.
The choice is ours and so far we have taken the route of option (2).
(Pavan Kaushik is a renowned storyteller and author)
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