New Delhi, March 27, 2025 – The United Nations has hailed India’s progress in reducing preventable child deaths, recognizing its healthcare initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat, as a model for the world. The UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation report, released on Tuesday, named India, Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and Burundi as exemplar countries that have made significant strides in reducing child mortality.
India’s Success in Child Mortality Reduction
According to the report, India has reduced under-five mortality by 70% and neonatal mortality by 61% since 2000. This success stems from strategic investments in health coverage, infrastructure, and workforce development.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest health insurance program, provides free medical services, transport, and medications for pregnant women and infants in public hospitals. The government has also expanded maternity homes, newborn care units, and birth defect screening programs to ensure better survival rates for infants.
Measles and Immunization Achievements
India’s battle against measles has been particularly impressive. In 2000, the country recorded 189,000 under-five measles deaths, with only 56% of infants vaccinated. By 2023, vaccination coverage increased to 93%, reducing measles-related deaths by 97% to just 5,200.
Strengthened Health System and Community Care
The report credits India’s deployment of midwives, community health workers, and skilled birth attendants for improved maternal and child healthcare. The integration of digital data systems and surveillance mechanisms has enabled evidence-based decision-making to enhance healthcare interventions.
Despite economic and geographical differences, India and other successful nations have surpassed the global and regional declines in child mortality through strong governance, health sector investments, and innovative financing models.
Global Child Mortality Trends
Globally, child deaths dropped to 4.8 million in 2023, while stillbirths remained at 1.9 million. Since 2000, under-five mortality has more than halved, and stillbirths have declined by over a third. However, the UN warns that progress is slowing, emphasizing the need for continued investment in vaccines, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell cautioned against complacency, stating that without the right policies and funding, the world risks reversing its hard-earned gains in child survival.
