Small Lives, Big Impact: Understanding and addressing Child Mortality.

Child Mortality, the heartbreaking loss of young lives before the age of five, remains a tearful indicator of global health disparities. As per the WHO - World Health Statistics report 2023, despite significant progress in recent decades, millions of children under the age of five around the world lost their lives.

Child mortality is a stark reality in many parts of the world, particularly in low and middle-income countries where access to healthcare services is limited. According to the reports majority of deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asian regions. Preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and complications during childbirth remain leading causes of child mortality, compounded by factors such as malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean water. 

Efforts to combat infant mortality on a global scale have seen remarkable progress.

In 2015, a significant global initiative took flight as the world rallied behind a new development agenda known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With eyes set on the horizon of 2030, these goals set ambitious targets, including a crucial aim to eradicate preventable deaths among newborns and children under the age of five. The proposed target under SDG for infant mortality aspires to achieve a world where no child's life is lost needlessly, with every nation striving to reduce neonatal mortality rates to minimum of 25 deaths per 1000 live births. This global endeavor represents a shared commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. 

As per UNICEF, out of 200 countries analyzed, 134 already met the Sustainable Development Goals target on under five mortality, and 7 countries are expected to meet the target by 2030, if current trends continue.

The Indian Context:

In India, a country with a population exceeding one billion, child mortality remains a pressing public health issue despite significant decrease in the recent years. As per the latest sources, the current infant mortality rate in 2024 is 25.799 deaths per 1000 live births, a 3.08% decline from 2023 which was at 26.619 deaths per 1000 live births. India continues to grapple with a range of challenges, including neonatal complications, pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition, and preventable diseases. Socio-economic disparities, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited access to quality healthcare services in rural areas father exacerbate the risk of child mortality.

To address these challenges, the Indian government has implemented various initiatives such as National Health Mission (NHM) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), focusing on improving Maternal and Child Healthcare, enhancing nutrition, and expanding immunization coverage. However, reaching marginalized communities and addressing the underlying determents of child mortality remain critical priorities in India's public health agenda.

As we strive towards a future where child dies from preventable causes. let us remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and by working together, we can ensure a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.