Points to Remember:
- Malnutrition and undernutrition
- Lack of access to quality healthcare
- Inadequate sanitation and hygiene
- Low maternal education and awareness
- Poverty and socioeconomic disparities
- Gender inequality
- Neonatal causes (preterm birth, birth asphyxia, infections)
Introduction:
India, despite significant strides in economic development, continues to grapple with a relatively high infant mortality rate (IMR). The IMR, defined as the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births, remains a crucial indicator of a nation’s health system and overall societal well-being. While India’s IMR has steadily declined over the past few decades, it still significantly lags behind many other developing and developed nations. According to the World Bank, India’s IMR in 2021 was 30 per 1,000 live births, highlighting the persistent challenges in ensuring child survival. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors contributing to this issue. This response will adopt a factual and analytical approach, drawing upon available data and research to explain the reasons behind India’s high IMR.
Body:
1. Malnutrition and Undernutrition:
A significant contributor to infant mortality is malnutrition and undernutrition. A large percentage of Indian infants suffer from stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), and underweight (low weight for age). This compromises their immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections and diseases. The lack of essential nutrients during critical developmental periods severely impacts their survival chances. Government programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) aim to address this, but their effectiveness varies across regions and communities.
2. Lack of Access to Quality Healthcare:
Unequal access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas, remains a major obstacle. Many mothers lack access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care. Inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained healthcare professionals, and limited availability of essential medicines and equipment further exacerbate the problem. The high cost of healthcare also pushes many families into financial hardship, preventing them from seeking timely medical intervention.
3. Inadequate Sanitation and Hygiene:
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute significantly to infant mortality. Contaminated water sources, lack of proper sanitation facilities, and unhygienic living conditions increase the risk of diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, and other preventable illnesses, which are leading causes of infant death.
4. Low Maternal Education and Awareness:
Maternal education plays a crucial role in child survival. Educated mothers are more likely to seek antenatal care, practice proper hygiene, and make informed decisions regarding their child’s health. Low levels of maternal literacy and awareness about child health and nutrition contribute to higher IMR.
5. Poverty and Socioeconomic Disparities:
Poverty is a significant underlying factor influencing infant mortality. Poor families often lack access to nutritious food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services. Socioeconomic disparities across different regions and communities in India contribute to unequal access to resources and opportunities, leading to higher IMR in marginalized populations.
6. Gender Inequality:
Gender inequality also plays a role. Female infanticide and neglect, though illegal, continue to occur in some parts of India, contributing to higher mortality rates among female infants. The lower priority given to the health and well-being of girls compared to boys also impacts their survival chances.
7. Neonatal Causes:
A substantial proportion of infant deaths occur within the first month of life (neonatal mortality). Preterm birth, birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth), and neonatal infections are major contributors to neonatal mortality. Improved maternal and neonatal care, including access to skilled birth attendants and neonatal intensive care units, is crucial to reduce neonatal deaths.
Conclusion:
India’s high infant mortality rate is a complex issue stemming from a confluence of factors, including malnutrition, inadequate healthcare access, poor sanitation, low maternal education, poverty, gender inequality, and neonatal causes. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach involving improved access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural areas; strengthening nutrition programs; promoting sanitation and hygiene; investing in maternal education and awareness; tackling poverty and socioeconomic disparities; and addressing gender inequality. The government’s continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, expand access to essential services, and implement effective public health programs are crucial. However, a holistic approach involving community participation, increased investment, and a focus on equitable distribution of resources is essential to achieve significant and sustainable reductions in India’s IMR, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all children. This will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
MPPCS Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for MPPCS Prelims and MPPCS Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by MPPCS Notes are as follows:-- MPPCS Mains 2025 Tests and Notes Program
- MPPCS Prelims Exam 2025- Test Series and Notes Program
- MPPCS Prelims and Mains 2025 Tests Series and Notes Program
- MPPCS Detailed Complete Prelims Notes 2025