India’s Maternal and Child Deaths Drop, Nearing SDG 2030 Targets

NEW DELHI (India CSR): India has recorded a significant and consistent decline in maternal and child mortality rates, placing the country well on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The data, released by the Registrar General of India in the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, marks a crucial turning point in public health, especially maternal and child care.

A Human-Centered Victory in Public Health

The progress isn’t just about numbers—it is about lives saved, futures secured, and a nation’s health uplifted. Millions of Indian mothers and children are now safer thanks to sustained policy efforts, widespread awareness, and access to improved healthcare services.

This transformation is powered by comprehensive initiatives that blend cutting-edge medical care with grassroots accessibility. India’s healthcare landscape has shifted towards inclusivity, quality, and results—impacting even the remotest communities.

Key Facts at a Glance

Maternal Mortality Drops to Historic Low

As per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality (2019–21), India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped from 130 per lakh live births (2014–16) to 93 per lakh live births in the latest report. That’s a 29% decline over five years.

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Notably, eight states have already met the SDG 2030 target of bringing the MMR down to 70 or below. These states include:

• Kerala (20)
• Maharashtra (38)
• Telangana (45)
• Andhra Pradesh (46)
• Tamil Nadu (49)
• Jharkhand (51)
• Gujarat (53)
• Karnataka (63)

Child Mortality Sees Steady Fall

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has improved impressively from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 in 2021. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped from 26 to 19, and the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) saw a reduction from 45 to 31 per 1000 live births during the same period.

Further, twelve states/UTs have already achieved the SDG goal for U5MR, while six have met targets for NMR.

Sex Ratio at Birth and Fertility Levels Improve

Another bright spot is the improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), which climbed from 899 girls per 1000 boys in 2014 to 913 in 2021—a result of long-term gender sensitization campaigns and effective law enforcement.

Meanwhile, India has managed to stabilize its Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 2.0, a significant milestone from 2.3 in 2014, aligning closely with replacement-level fertility.

India Outpaces Global Trends

Recent reports by international agencies validate India’s remarkable performance. According to the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-agency Group (UN-MMEIG) report (2000–2023), released in April 2025:

• India’s MMR fell by 86% since 1990, far exceeding the global average reduction of 48%.

The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) March 2025 report highlights India’s:

• 78% decline in Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) (global: 61%)
• 70% drop in Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) (global: 54%)
• 71% reduction in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) (global: 58%)

Health Reforms at the Core

These achievements stem from powerful, integrated government health schemes. The Ayushman Bharat initiative—the world’s largest health assurance program—offers free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh annually per family, benefiting millions with better maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Under this mission, all pregnant women are entitled to:

• Free institutional deliveries, including C-sections
• Access to diagnostics, medicines, nutrition
• Transportation to and from healthcare facilities

Strengthening Maternal and Newborn Infrastructure

Key innovations supporting improved outcomes include:

• Maternity Waiting Homes and MCH Wings
• Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs) and Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs)
• Mother-Newborn Care Units
• High-dependency units for obstetric emergencies

Every year, this infrastructure supports approximately 300 lakh safe pregnancies and 260 lakh live births.

Focus on Training and Data-Driven Decisions

The Ministry of Health has made capacity-building of healthcare workers a top priority, emphasizing the training of skilled birth attendants, midwives, and community health workers.

Simultaneously, digital health data systems are being expanded to improve real-time tracking, surveillance, and evidence-based policymaking—a move crucial for targeted interventions.

The Road Ahead: Towards 2030 and Beyond

While India’s progress is commendable, the road to achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development demands continued commitment. With equitable healthcare at the heart of policy and technology-enabled health monitoring, India is not only nearing the SDG finish line—it is redefining it.

As Health Minister [Name] aptly stated,

“Every life saved is a reflection of our system’s compassion and our resolve. This progress is India’s collective achievement—of communities, caregivers, and the government.”

(India CSR)