India’s Child Mortality Falls Sharply: UNIGME 2025 Report Highlights Key Gains

India has emerged as a global leader in reducing child mortality, making significant progress over the past few decades. According to the latest findings from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation Report 2025, the country’s sustained public health efforts, large-scale interventions, and policy prioritization have led to remarkable improvements in child survival rates.

These gains are particularly visible in neonatal and under-five mortality indicators, positioning India as a key contributor to global child health progress.

United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation Report 2025

India’s Key Role in Reducing Child Mortality

Major Contributor to Regional Progress

Over the last two decades, India has played a central role in reducing child mortality across Southern Asia. The region has recorded a 76% decline in under-five deaths since 1990 and a 68% decline since 2000, driven largely by India’s large-scale health initiatives.

Sharp Decline in Under-Five Mortality Rate

The under-five mortality rate in Southern Asia has seen a dramatic fall:

• From 92 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000

• To nearly 32 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024

This reflects consistent improvements in healthcare access, maternal care, and child health services.

Targeted Interventions Driving Success

Focus on Preventable Diseases

India’s interventions have significantly reduced deaths caused by preventable and treatable conditions such as:

• Pneumonia

• Diarrhoea

• Malaria

• Birth-related complications

Key Government Health Programmes

India’s progress has been supported by several large-scale initiatives:

1. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

• Expanded vaccine coverage nationwide

• Reduced incidence of life-threatening diseases

2. Facility-Based Newborn Care

• Improved care in hospitals and health centres

• Reduced neonatal complications

3. Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI)

• Strengthened early diagnosis and treatment

• Improved child survival outcomes

These programmes have helped scale healthcare delivery across both urban and rural areas.

Significant Improvements in Neonatal Care

Decline in Neonatal and Child Mortality

The report highlights major improvements in neonatal and early childhood survival:

• Neonatal deaths declined by nearly 60% since 2000

• Mortality among children aged 1–59 months declined by over 75%

Key Focus Areas

India’s progress is driven by strong emphasis on:

1. Skilled Birth Attendance

• Increased institutional deliveries

• Reduced maternal and neonatal risks

2. Strengthening Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs)

• Better care for premature and critically ill newborns

3. Expanded Antenatal and Postnatal Care

• Early detection of complications

• Improved maternal and child health outcomes

India’s Global Standing in Child Survival

Leading Among High-Burden Countries

Despite Southern Asia accounting for nearly 25% of global under-five deaths, the region has achieved one of the fastest reductions worldwide.

India’s large population and sustained health efforts make its progress especially significant, positioning the country as a model for other developing nations.

Addressing Emerging Challenges

Focus Areas for the Future

The report highlights key areas where India continues to focus:

• Tackling neonatal mortality, which now forms a larger share of under-five deaths

• Addressing prematurity and birth-related complications

• Reducing disparities between urban and rural regions

• Bridging inter-state healthcare gaps

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

India remains committed to achieving global targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• Under-five mortality rate below 25 per 1,000 live births

• Neonatal mortality rate below 12 per 1,000 live births

With continued efforts, India is well-positioned to meet or even surpass these targets.

Remarkable Long-Term Progress

Key Data Highlights

India has achieved substantial reductions in mortality rates:

• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):

  • Declined by nearly 70%

  • From 57 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 17 in 2024

• Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR):

  • Reduced by 79%

  • From 127 in 1990 to 27 in 2024

These improvements reflect stronger health systems, expanded immunization, and better maternal care.

Policy Impact and Global Significance

India’s success highlights the importance of:

• Strong policy focus

• Large-scale implementation

• Equity-driven healthcare strategies

At a time when global progress in reducing child mortality is slowing, India’s achievements provide a replicable model for other countries.

Conclusion

India’s remarkable progress in reducing child mortality demonstrates the power of sustained public health interventions and policy prioritization. With significant declines in both neonatal and under-five mortality rates, the country has emerged as a global leader in child survival.

While challenges remain—particularly in addressing neonatal deaths and regional disparities—India’s continued focus on healthcare expansion, innovation, and inclusivity positions it well for the future. As the nation moves closer to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals, its success story offers valuable lessons for the global community in improving child health outcomes.