Progress in Reducing Child Mortality in India: A Disposition

ABSTRACT Introduction: Highlighting India’s efforts and failure in achieving the goals set by National Population Policy (2002) and National Health Policy (2002) for the year 2010 of reducing infant mortality rate (IMR) to 30 per 1,000 live births, as a pre-assessment in the wake of global initiatives towards MDG 4, this paper presents an overview and an assessment of India’s feasibility towards curbing the mortality rate (especially Infant and Child Mortality) and universalisation of immunization for Measles. Objective: To assess the state-wise feasibility of reducing IMR and CMR to achieve MDG 4 with identifying measures and required initiatives. Research Design: This study used data from the Sample Registration System (1990 to 2009) and DLHS-3 (2007-08). State wise rates are projected and required rate of reduction for infant and child mortality indicators are calculated based on the measures developed by Statistics and Monitoring Section/Division of Policy and Practice/UNICEF. Results: States are ranked and shown with their level of feasibility to achieve MDG 4 by 2015 as well as the Center and state initiatives towards reducing mortality are discussed. In general, a few states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala are close to achieve MDG 4 based on their efforts towards reducing the child mortality rate (0-4), while these states too, fall short of nearly 20-50 percent in achieving the MDG target by 2015 in terms of reducing IMR. Policy Implications: Region or area-specific focus should be given on an emergency basis in achieving the MDG 4 on time. Neonates should be given the highest priority as the neonatal deaths contribute more in IMR and U5MR. Programmes need to focus on intense family planning campaign for 3+ order birth, increasing birth interval or spacing to avoid the neonatal deaths, averting adolescents’ childbearing and early marriages especially in low performing states.