India Named an “Exemplar” in UN Report on Child Survival
United Nations, March 27 – The United Nations has hailed India as a global leader in reducing preventable child deaths, spotlighting its healthcare reforms and strategic public health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat. In its latest report, the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) recognized India as one of five “exemplar countries” — alongside Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and Burundi — that have significantly reduced under-five mortality rates through robust policy, sustained investment, and innovative health solutions.
Strategic Health Investments Saving Millions of Lives
According to the report, India has made exceptional strides since 2000, with a 70% reduction in under-five mortality and a 61% reduction in neonatal mortality. This progress is attributed to a multi-pronged approach encompassing:
- Expansion of health coverage
- Enhancement of available medical interventions
- Strengthening of healthcare infrastructure and workforce
"Through strategic investments in its health system, India has already saved millions of young lives and paved the way to ensure healthy lives for millions more,” the UN report noted.
Ayushman Bharat: A Game-Changer in Public Health
A central pillar of India’s health transformation is Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, providing families with annual coverage of nearly USD 5,500. The scheme ensures:
- Free deliveries, including cesarean sections
- Comprehensive infant care, covering transport, medication, diagnostics, and diet in public hospitals
- Infrastructure boosts through maternity waiting homes, newborn care units, and maternal-child health wings
Comprehensive Care from Pregnancy to Childhood
India’s commitment to maternal and child health is also evident in its adoption of key medical interventions, including:
- Antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labor
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for newborns
- Screening and follow-up for vision and hearing defects
The deployment of skilled midwives and community health workers further strengthens maternal and neonatal care, ensuring healthier pregnancies and successful childbirth outcomes.
Leveraging Technology and Data for Better Health
The report highlighted India's investment in digital surveillance systems that track maternal, newborn, and child health indicators. This data-driven approach facilitates targeted, evidence-based interventions and quality improvements across healthcare systems.
Global Recognition for India's Child Health Success
The UN report emphasized that despite economic constraints and diverse challenges, countries like India have "outpaced global and regional declines in child mortality" by focusing on:
- Universal health access
- Community-based care
- Expanded immunization programmes
- Innovative health financing models
Since 2000, India has also achieved a 97% reduction in measles-related under-five deaths, thanks to a rise in infant measles vaccination coverage from 56% to 93% by 2023.
Global Child Mortality Still a Challenge
While global under-five deaths dropped to 4.8 million in 2023 and stillbirths to 1.9 million, progress has slowed. The UN cautioned that without sustained investment and sound policy decisions, hard-won gains could be reversed.
“Millions of children are alive today because of global commitment to proven interventions, such as vaccines, nutrition, and access to safe water and basic sanitation,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “But without the right policy choices and adequate investment, we risk reversing these hard-earned gains.”
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