The United Nations has profusely praised India for the decline in its child mortality rate. In fact, a significant report recently released by the United Nations has highlighted the achievements of India’s public health system on the global stage. According to the 2025 report by UNIGME, India has presented an inspiring example to the world by achieving a remarkable reduction in child mortality. Reacting to this achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it as a collective success for the nation and lauded the sustained efforts undertaken in the healthcare sector.
A historic success reflected in statistics
According to the report, while the neonatal mortality rate stood at 57 per 1,000 live births in 1990, it declined to 17 in 2024-marking a reduction of approximately 70 per cent. Similarly, the mortality rate for children under the age of five dropped from 127 to 27 per 1,000, representing a decline of approximately 79 per cent. These figures serve as proof that India has not only expanded the scope of its healthcare services but has also implemented them effectively.
Policy interventions and the role of the central government
Prioritizing child and maternal health, the Government of India launched several ambitious schemes, the direct impact of which manifested as a reduction in mortality rates. The National Health Mission ensured access to healthcare services even in the country’s remote regions, while the Janani Suraksha Yojana reduced complications during childbirth by promoting institutional deliveries. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan provided pregnant women with regular health check-ups and expert consultations. Collectively, these schemes established a healthcare ecosystem capable of identifying risks in a timely manner and ensuring the immediate availability of treatment.
The impact of vaccination campaigns and public awareness
The Universal Immunization Programme has played a pivotal role in India’s success. Campaigns such as ‘Mission Indradhanush’ have ensured that life-saving vaccines reach every child. Through vaccination, diseases such as measles, diarrhea and pneumonia—which were previously leading causes of child mortality; have been brought under control. Furthermore, ASHA workers and Anganwadi services went from village to village to raise public awareness; this fostered greater trust in health services and led to their increased utilization. This public participation has emerged as a strong pillar of India’s success.
Improvements in institutional deliveries and neonatal care
The rise in the rate of institutional deliveries in India has played a pivotal role in reducing the neonatal mortality rate. The availability of safe delivery facilities in hospitals, coupled with the presence of trained healthcare professionals, has significantly mitigated the risks associated with childbirth. Additionally, the expansion of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) has proven to be a major stride forward. These units provide specialized care to premature or ailing infants, thereby enhancing their chances of survival. These Indian initiatives have contributed significantly to the decline in neonatal mortality rates across South Asia.
Combating diseases through targeted strategies
India has focused particular attention on those diseases that constituted the primary causes of child mortality. The use of ORS and zinc for the treatment of diarrhea was actively promoted, while comprehensive campaigns were launched for the treatment and prevention of pneumonia. Malaria control programs achieved remarkable success in affected regions. These targeted efforts have demonstrated that, with planned action executed in the right direction, deaths caused by preventable diseases can be substantially reduced.
Centre-state coordination and effective implementation
Strong coordination between the Central and State governments has been another key factor behind India’s success in this domain. Policies formulated by the Central Government were implemented by the States in accordance with local conditions, thereby rendering the schemes more comprehensive and effective in their impact. This stands as an excellent example of cooperative federalism, maintaining a harmonious balance between policy formulation and implementation. This coordination has played a crucial role in extending health services down to the grassroots level.
Technology and data-driven health management
The utilization of digital technology has given a new direction to India’s healthcare sector. Digital platforms and data-driven systems have been employed to monitor maternal and child health, thereby enabling the evaluation of the impact of various schemes. This has not only led to an improvement in the quality of services but has also ensured a more efficient utilization of resources. This process of data-driven decision-making renders India’s healthcare system more transparent and accountable.
India’s role in the South Asian and global context
According to the report, India has played a pivotal role in the decline of child mortality rates across South Asia. While in 2000, the region witnessed 92 child deaths per 1,000 live births, this figure dropped to approximately 32 in 2024. This transformation signals that the impact of India’s efforts extends beyond the national level to manifest as a global influence. Although India has achieved remarkable success, several challenges still lie ahead.
Issues such as disparities in healthcare services between rural and urban areas, the problem of malnutrition, and the universal availability of quality healthcare facilities still demand effective solutions. South Asia continues to account for approximately 25 per cent of the world’s child mortality cases, underscoring the need for sustained efforts in this direction. India must now address these new challenges while simultaneously sustaining its existing achievements.
India as an inspiring model
The decline in child mortality rates witnessed in India today is an achievement that undoubtedly serves as a source of national pride. It also stands as an inspiration for other developing nations across the globe. This United Nations report has made it abundantly clear that when backed by sound policies, strong political will and effective implementation, no challenge; however daunting- can persist indefinitely. Under such circumstances, even the most ambitious goals can be successfully attained. The confidence expressed today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as a catalyst for further progress in this direction. If India continues to work with this same level of commitment in the times to come, it is certain to emerge as a global leader in the healthcare sector.
