States With Highest Infant Mortality Rate In India: There has been a significant decline in the infant fertility rate in India during the last decade. According to the Sample Registration System 2024 report, the infant mortality rate in the country has come down to 24 per 1,000 live births. In the year 2019 this figure was 30. This improvement is believed to be the result of expansion of maternal and child health services and increase in institutional deliveries. Although the picture looks better at the national level, there is still a huge gap between the states.

One in 42 children do not see their first birthday

The report shows that in India, one out of every 42 babies still does not see his first birthday. The situation is more challenging in rural areas, where one in every 37 infants dies before the age of one year. This ratio is better in urban areas and there one death out of every 59 infants was recorded. Experts believe that the increase in institutional deliveries has played an important role in reducing infant mortality. While in the year 2019, less than 83 percent of deliveries were taking place in hospitals or health centers, by 2024 this figure will reach more than 95 percent. Despite this, the report also indicates that the problem is not solved by hospital delivery alone, but care of the newborn after birth is equally important.

In which states the situation is worst

Talking about states, Chhattisgarh appears to be in the most worrying situation. The infant mortality rate here was recorded at 36 per 1,000 live births, which is the highest in the country. After this, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh came next, where this figure was 35. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh remained at the top in terms of neonatal mortality rate, while Uttar Pradesh also remains in a worrying situation.

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In which states the situation is better

On the contrary, Goa and Sikkim have emerged as the best performing states of the country. The infant mortality rate in both states was only 7 per 1,000 live births. Kerala stood third with 8. In Tamil Nadu and Delhi this figure was 11, while in Tripura it was 12. Maharashtra performed better than the national average by recording a rate of 14, Karnataka 15, Punjab 16, Telangana 17 and Andhra Pradesh 18.

What is still the biggest challenge?

However, the biggest challenge is still the death of newborn babies. According to the report, about 73 percent of the total infant deaths expected in 2024 will occur within the first 28 days of birth. Experts believe that to further reduce infant mortality rate in the coming years, more attention will have to be paid to better care during pregnancy, maternal nutrition, safe delivery and quality medical services of the newborn after birth. India has come a long way in this direction, but there is still a lot of scope for improvement in many states.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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