Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

India Played Key Role In Decline Of Child Mortality In South Asia: UN Report

With interventions targeted towards improving maternal and child health along with quality and accessible health infrastructure, India has played a crucial role in the decline of global child mortality, especially in South Asia, according to a UN report today.

The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025 highlighted that the country's sustained efforts in the last two decades in child health have led to significant outcomes in South Asia. They include:

<ul><li>a 76 percent decline in under-five deaths since 1990 and a 68 percent drop since 2000</li><li>the under-five death rate in the region fell from 92 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to nearly 32 in 2024. </li></ul>The UN report said said that India "has shown an upward trajectory in its newborn and child health outcomes". It credited the country progress to "strong governance framework that brings within its fold integrated planning, innovation-led implementation, and measurable indices".

"India emerges as a leading global exemplar in the UN IGME 2025 report for accelerating child mortality reduction," JP Nadda, Union Health Minister, shared in a post on X.

"India’s focussed comprehensive approach on neonatal care has paved the way for eliminating preventable child deaths and securing healthy future for our children," he added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/4-9-million-children-died-before-age-five-worldwide-in-2024-un-report-article-153860791" data-type="tilCustomLink">4.9 Million Children Died Before Age Five Worldwide In 2024: UN Report</a>

<ul><li>under-five mortality rate reduced to 26.6 in 2024</li><li>infant mortality fell to 23.3 per 1000 live births</li><li>neonatal mortality rate dropped to 17</li></ul>

The report lauded India’s "continuum-of-care strategy" that has integrated sustained strengthening of a vibrant health system with commensurate expansion of its health infrastructure.

It also hailed demand-driven programmatic interventions in reducing preventable maternal and newborn mortality. These include:

<ul><li>Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) </li><li>Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), all of which are striving towards . </li><li>Dedicated Maternal and Child Health (MCH) wings, </li><li>Maternity Waiting Homes, </li><li>Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), </li><li>Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs), </li><li>District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs). </li></ul>

Further, it noted that India’s commitment to improving newborn and child survival has also been reflected in continuous quality improvement initiatives such as the recently released guidelines on Facility-Based Newborn Care (FBNC) and

digital innovations such as Tele-SNCU (HUB &amp; SPOKE model).

These efforts are complemented by hybrid skill-based learning modules on the safe and rational use of oxygen (including CPAP) and by the empowerment of mothers and caregivers to provide nurturing care to small and sick newborns. 

"India is among the first few countries to set targets and release operational guidelines on Stillbirth Surveillance and response," the report said.

The UN noted that India’s experience shows that "sustained leadership, strategic investments, and strong collaboration with committed stakeholders have enabled a robust, scalable, and effective implementation framework targeted towards the achievement of the SDGs".

Health Conditions A-Z

health

south asia

janani suraksha yojana

janani shishu

unigme

infant mortality

under five child deaths

stillbirth surveillance

newborn stabilization units

tele-sncu

Child Mortality

Diabetes Diet Plan: South Indian Breads That Are Better Than Roti

HPV: Why Vaccination In Adolescents Is Important?

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

With interventions targeted towards improving maternal and child health along with quality and accessible health infrastructure, India has played a crucial role in the decline of global child mortality, especially in South Asia, according to a UN report today. The UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025 highlighted that the country's sustained efforts in the last two decades in child health have led to significant outcomes in South Asia. They include:a 76 percent decline in under-five deaths since 1990 and a 68 percent drop since 2000the under-five death rate in the region fell from 92 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to nearly 32 in 2024. The UN report said said that India "has shown an upward trajectory in its newborn and child health outcomes". It credited the country progress to "strong governance framework that brings within its fold integrated planning, innovation-led implementation, and measurable indices"."India emerges as a leading global exemplar in the UN IGME 2025 report for accelerating child mortality reduction," JP Nadda, Union Health Minister, shared in a post on X."India’s focussed comprehensive approach on neonatal care has paved the way for eliminating preventable child deaths and securing healthy future for our children," he added.    India emerges as a leading global exemplar in the UN IGME 2025 report for accelerating child mortality reduction.As per the UN IGME 2025 report, Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined by nearly 70%—from 57 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 17 in 2024—reflecting…&mdash; Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) March 18, 2026 ]]>Also read: 4.9 Million Children Died Before Age Five Worldwide In 2024: UN ReportIndia's Child Health ProgramsIn India, the UNIGME report showed that:under-five mortality rate reduced to 26.6 in 2024infant mortality fell to 23.3 per 1000 live birthsneonatal mortality rate dropped to 17The report lauded India’s "continuum-of-care strategy" that has integrated sustained strengthening of a vibrant health system with commensurate expansion of its health infrastructure.It also hailed demand-driven programmatic interventions in reducing preventable maternal and newborn mortality. These include:Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), all of which are striving towards . Dedicated Maternal and Child Health (MCH) wings, Maternity Waiting Homes, Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs), District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs). Further, it noted that India’s commitment to improving newborn and child survival has also been reflected in continuous quality improvement initiatives such as the recently released guidelines on Facility-Based Newborn Care (FBNC) anddigital innovations such as Tele-SNCU (HUB & SPOKE model). These efforts are complemented by hybrid skill-based learning modules on the safe and rational use of oxygen (including CPAP) and by the empowerment of mothers and caregivers to provide nurturing care to small and sick newborns. "India is among the first few countries to set targets and release operational guidelines on Stillbirth Surveillance and response," the report said. The UN noted that India’s experience shows that "sustained leadership, strategic investments, and strong collaboration with committed stakeholders have enabled a robust, scalable, and effective implementation framework targeted towards the achievement of the SDGs".