Progress and Challenges in Child Mortality Reduction in India

The recent UN report on child mortality highlights significant progress and ongoing challenges in reducing child mortality rates in India. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 2 and 3, as it relates to health, governance, and social justice. Last Updated: 24-03-2026

Key Facts About Child Mortality in India

• Definition: Child mortality refers to the death of infants and children under the age of five.
• Objective: The goal is to reduce the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) to below 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030, as per SDG 3.2.
• Key Provisions: Initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) aim to improve child health outcomes.
• Numbers/Targets: India achieved a 79% decline in U5MR from 127 in 1990 to 27 in 2024.
• Outcomes: Significant reduction in neonatal mortality rate (NMR) by 70% since 1990.
• Organizations: The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) provides global child mortality data.

India's Strategic Focus on Child Health

Child mortality reduction is integral to India's broader socio-economic goals, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India's efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure and implementing targeted health programs have positioned it as a global exemplar in child health. The country's decline in child mortality rates is a testament to its strategic focus on health and nutrition, contributing to its demographic dividend and economic growth.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Health and education policies, governance, and social justice.
• GS Paper 3: Economic development, inclusive growth, and health infrastructure.
• Prelims Angle: Questions on specific schemes like JSY, UIP, and key statistics such as U5MR and NMR.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on healthcare challenges, policy effectiveness, and socio-economic impacts of child mortality.
• Essay Paper: Topics on health as a component of human development and sustainable growth.

FAQ Section

• What is child mortality? Child mortality refers to the death of children under the age of five, a critical indicator of a country's health status.
• Why is reducing child mortality important? Lowering child mortality rates is essential for improving public health, achieving sustainable development goals, and enhancing the quality of life.
• What are the key features of India's child mortality reduction efforts? Key features include promoting institutional deliveries, expanding immunization coverage, and improving newborn care infrastructure.