Infant mortality rate (IMR) is the number of deaths occurring among children who are under 1 year old per 1,000 live births. On the other hand, child mortality rate is the mortality rate of children under the age of 5.
Leading causes of Infant Mortality
The leading cause of infant mortality worldwide is birth defects. Other important causes are suffocation, pneumonia, prolonged labor, birth defects, malaria, foetal umbilical cord prolapse, measles, diarrhea and malnutrition. Smoking during pregnancy is the most common cause.
Classification of IMR
Various forms of IMR are neonatal mortality, perinatal mortality and postnatal mortality. Perinatal mortality is baby or foetal mortality from the 28th week of gestation to the first week of birth. Pregnancy is the time when the baby is brought to the womb. Death of a new born baby within 28 days of age is Neonatal mortality. Post-natal mortality stands for the death of a baby that happens between the 29th day and the first year of life.
Infant Mortality Rate in India
The IMR of India is 33 per 1000 live births. India’s IMR is poorer than Bangladesh (27), China (8), Bhutan (26) and Sri Lanka (8).
Cause of Infant Mortality in India
India is unable to lower the IMR due to Premature birth which accounts for more than 80% of the country’s neonatal mortality rate. Choking is shortness of breath. Asphyxiation of new-borns is one of the leading causes of death in India. This is mainly due to the lack of health infrastructure in rural areas. It is also caused by infectious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. In India, babies born to illiterate mothers can die twice as quickly as babies born to educated mothers. Inadequate focus on anaemia and adolescent hygiene in young women Lack of midwives and trained health care workers. 40% of India’s IMR is due to poverty and the lack of basic health habits associated with vaccination and breastfeeding.
Solutions for IMR reduction
Paying close attention to the health of the pregnant foetal and mother. The government has already launched Janani Suraksha Yojana to address this. However, in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where IMR is high, the regime needs to be actively expanded. To ensure that your baby is born in a hospital or health and wellness center with basic medical facilities. Health and Children’s Services Should Be Covered by General Health Insurance Approximately 80% of IMRs can be reduced by proper nutrition, clean water and proper breastfeeding. SDG 3 aims to promote well-being and ensure a healthy life for all people of all ages. This includes lowering infant mortality.
