India Slashes Child Mortality: A Global Health Triumph

India has emerged as a global leader in child mortality reduction, a significant public health achievement over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2024, the nation recorded a 41% decline in under-five mortality and a 37% decline in neonatal mortality, significantly exceeding global reductions. India is on track to meet the UN SDG targets for Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) before the 2030 deadline.

The transformation is driven by a structured life-cycle approach, the RMNCAH+N strategy, which integrates maternal health, newborn care, immunisation, and nutrition. Strengthening antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and skilled birth attendance have improved maternal and newborn health. Over 1,100 special newborn care units and 2,868 newborn stabilisation units now provide critical care.

Continuity of care is ensured through home-based newborn care by ASHAs, with postnatal care coverage increasing to 85.3% in 2023-24. Full immunisation coverage reached 82.6%, with significant scale-up of rotavirus and introduction of pneumococcal vaccines. Stunting and severe wasting among children under five have also declined, showcasing comprehensive progress.

This journey of enhanced child survival is not just a national success but a global public health exemplar. India's systematic organization of services around mothers and children, supported by strong public systems and digital accountability, offers valuable lessons for developing countries seeking to improve child survival rates.