Newborn Deaths: In India, one in 42 infants still does not live to see their first birthday. The situation is even more challenging in rural areas, with one in 37 infants dying before the age of one.

Infant mortality rate in India

States With the Highest Infant Mortality Rate in India: Infant mortality rates in India have declined significantly over the past decade. According to the Sample Registration System 2024 report, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births in the country has declined to 24, down from 30 in 2019. This improvement is attributed to the expansion of maternal and child health services and an increase in institutional deliveries. While the picture looks better at the national level, significant differences still exist between states.

One in 42 children does not live to see their first birthday.

The report states that one in 42 infants in India still does not live to see their first birthday. The situation is even more challenging in rural areas, where one in 37 infants dies before the age of one. The ratio is better in urban areas, where one in 59 infants died. Experts believe that the increase in institutional deliveries has played a significant role in reducing infant mortality. While in 2019, less than 83 percent of deliveries took place in hospitals or health centers, this figure could reach more than 95 percent by 2024. Nevertheless, the report also indicates that hospital delivery alone does not solve the problem; postnatal care is equally important.

In which states is the situation the worst

Among states, Chhattisgarh appears to be in the most worrying situation. Its infant mortality rate was recorded at 36 per 1,000 live births, the highest in the country. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh followed, with 35. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh also topped the neonatal mortality rate, while Uttar Pradesh also remained in a worrying situation.

Which states have better conditions?

In contrast, Goa and Sikkim emerged as the best-performing states in the country. Both states recorded infant mortality rates of only 7 per 1,000 live births. Kerala ranked third with 8. Tamil Nadu and Delhi recorded 11, while Tripura recorded 12. Maharashtra, with 14, Karnataka with 15, Punjab with 16, Telangana with 17, and Andhra Pradesh with 18, outperformed the national average.

What is the biggest challenge right now?

However, the biggest challenge remains neonatal mortality. According to the report, approximately 73 percent of all infant deaths in 2024 will occur within the first 28 days of birth. Experts believe that to further reduce infant mortality in the coming years, greater attention will be needed to improve care during pregnancy, maternal nutrition, safe delivery, and quality medical services for newborns after birth. India has come a long way in this direction, but significant room for improvement remains in many states.