Lucknow, May 30: The efforts of the Yogi government have led to a significant reduction in child mortality rates for children aged from newborn to five years in Uttar Pradesh. This improvement, reflected in recent data, tells a story of thousands of children leading safer lives, millions of families holding onto hope, and growing trust in the government’s healthcare system. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenge of reducing neonatal mortality rates.
According to the latest report from the Sample Registration System (SRS), there has been a decrease in mortality rates for children from newborns to five years old. In 2024, the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) dropped from 26 to 25, infant mortality rate (IMR) from 37 to 35, and the mortality rate for children under five fell from 42 to 41. These figures are based on a survey conducted per 1,000 children.
Uttar Pradesh is now among the select states where child mortality rates have decreased across all age groups. This achievement is a testament to collective dedication, relentless efforts, and continuous initiatives at the grassroots level. While these trends are encouraging, they remind us that the pace of reduction in neonatal mortality rates remains slower than expected, with little change in deaths occurring immediately after birth. This indicates that the next phase in reducing child mortality will heavily rely on improving the quality of care provided during delivery and the first 48 hours of life.
Dr. Shalini Tripathi, a professor in the Pediatrics Department at King George Medical University, stated that upgrades in health centers and training for health staff have contributed to the decline in NMR and IMR. Over the past three to four years, doctors and staff nurses at Ayushman Arogya Mandir and district women’s hospitals have received continuous training. Additionally, the introduction of CPAP machines for newborns facing breathing difficulties, kangaroo mother care, milk banks, free medications, and regular vaccinations have also played a crucial role in reducing infant mortality rates. The establishment of Mother-Newborn Care Units (MNCUs) in hospitals, where mothers and their babies are kept together post-delivery, has further enhanced outcomes.
Daisy Rani, a staff nurse at Veerangana Avanti Bai Women’s Hospital, mentioned that nurses receive regular weekly virtual learning sessions and face-to-face refresher training on neonatal care. These trainings have significantly aided them in recognizing danger signs in newborns, adhering to timely referral protocols, and strengthening resuscitation procedures at birth.
Dr. Salman, a pediatrician at Veerangana Avanti Bai Hospital, noted that many child deaths previously occurred due to infections and unsanitary conditions. Hospitals are now placing special emphasis on cleanliness and preventing infections among children. Staff are trained to ensure that doctors and nurses wash their hands before attending to infants, that the delivery area is clean, and that the cloth used to wrap the baby and the instruments for cutting the umbilical cord are sterile. Improved hygiene and reduced infections in hospitals are also contributing factors to the decline in child mortality rates.
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