According to a recent report from the United Nations, progress in reducing the number of women and infants who die during pregnancy, childbirth, or within weeks after birth has stalled since 2015. Notably, India bears a significant portion of this global burden, accounting for 17% of all maternal deaths, stillbirths, and newborn deaths. Other countries with high rates include Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and Tanzania.
Key Findings and Global Health Challenges
The report notes that progress made between 2000 and 2010 was faster than the progress recorded in the decade following. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), for example, observed an annual reduction rate of 2.8% between 2000 and 2009, which slowed down to 1.3% between 2010 and 2020. Therefore, an 11.9% improvement is required in the next decade to meet an MMR of 70 deaths per 1,000 live births, as per global targets.
Similarly, the Stillbirth Rate (SBR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) also saw reductions over the last two decades. However, they too will need more substantial reductions in the next decade to meet global targets.
Improving Maternal and Infant Health through Essential Health Services
Increasing essential health services can significantly enhance maternal and infant health. Antenatal care, skilled attendants at birth, and postnatal care are three critical measures for this cause. The report shows that coverage on all these fronts has improved since 2010, albeit gradually.
Major Contributors to Maternal and Infant Mortality
Maternal mortality is often caused by severe bleeding (hemorrhage), high blood pressure disorders like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and unsafe abortions. Additionally, one-third of women do not have even four of a recommended eight antenatal checks or receive essential postnatal care.
Meanwhile, infant mortality is commonly associated with prematurity and low birth weight, birth asphyxia, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Government Initiatives for Maternal and Infant Health
To combat these issues, the Government of India has launched several initiatives, including the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA). The JSSK program offers free delivery, including Cesarean section, in public health institutions, while PMSMA ensures quality antenatal care and high-risk pregnancy detection.
Another helpful program is LaQshya, which aims at improving the quality of labor rooms and operation theaters and ensuring Respectful Maternity Care.
Proposed Measures to Enhance Maternal and Infant Health
Addressing socioeconomic factors impacting maternal and infant health, such as poverty, education, and gender inequality, is vital. The establishment of district-level task forces that will improve healthcare delivery at the local level can significantly help.
Innovative approaches to improve nutrition, like community gardens and fortified food programs, can also contribute to better health outcomes. There is also a need to create educational programs targeting mothers, families, and communities to raise awareness about maternal and infant health. Incorporating mental health screenings into routine prenatal and postnatal care is another critical step.