Karnataka Infant Mortality Rate Sees Slight Rise

Karnataka's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) experienced a marginal increase in 2024, as indicated by the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) data. The IMR rose by one point to 15 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the U5MR increased from 17 to 18. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), however, remained unchanged at 11 deaths per 1,000 live births.

These figures represent a continued positive trend since 2011, with a significant overall reduction of 20 points in IMR. Health experts attribute the recent slight rise to common variations when rates are already low, emphasizing that it's not a reversal of the long-term decline. Challenges such as preterm birth complications and birth asphyxia require ongoing attention.

The SRS data also highlighted persistent disparities between rural and urban areas within Karnataka. Rural regions reported a higher IMR of 17 compared to 11 in urban areas. Health experts link these differences to unequal access to essential healthcare services, including neonatal care and emergency transport systems.

Nationally, Karnataka's infant mortality indicators perform better than many northern and central Indian states, though Kerala continues to report the lowest IMR at eight, an increase from five in the previous year. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also showed slight declines in their IMR.