Knocksense Shorts | Maharashtra records decline in child and infant mortality rates

Maharashtra’s infant mortality rate has decreased from 19 per 1000 births in 2018 to 16 per 1000 births in 2020, as reported by the Union Government's Sample Registration System (SRS) reports. Furthermore, the neonatal mortality rate is currently at 11, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of achieving less than 12 by 2023.

The state has established 53 Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) in district and sub-district hospitals, treating over 56,467 children, including 5,459 underweight infants, from April 2023 to January 2024. Furthermore, 200 Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs) in Rural and Sub-Divisional Hospitals have provided care to 24,063 newborns.

Initiatives like the Maa program, promoting breastfeeding, and the Anemia Free India program, combating anemia, are actively engaging communities. Moreover, the Newborn and Young Child Care at Home programs are ensuring comprehensive care through trained ASHA workers, emphasising nutrition, health, and hygiene.