Thu Mar 27 09:11:46 UTC 2025: ## UN Lauds India’s “Exemplar” Progress in Reducing Child Mortality

**New Delhi, March 28, 2025** – The United Nations has praised India’s significant strides in reducing preventable child deaths, citing the country as an “exemplar” in global efforts to save young lives. A new report from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, released Tuesday, highlighted India’s success alongside Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and Burundi.

The report attributes India’s progress to strategic investments in its health system, including initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme. Since 2000, India has achieved a 70% reduction in under-five mortality and a 61% decrease in neonatal mortality. These gains are attributed to increased health coverage, improved interventions, strengthened infrastructure (including maternity waiting homes and newborn care units), and a dedicated birth defect screening program. The report also emphasizes the role of skilled birth attendants and improved data systems in supporting evidence-based decision-making.

The UN report notes that India’s measles vaccination rate increased from 56% in 2000 to 93% in 2023, resulting in a 97% drop in measles-related deaths. The report highlights the provision of free delivery services (including C-sections), infant care, and transport, medication, diagnostics, and dietary support in public health institutions.

While celebrating the global decline in child mortality – down to 4.8 million in 2023 from over 10 million in 2000 – the UN also stressed the need for continued investment to prevent a reversal of these hard-earned gains. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need for continued policy support and funding to maintain momentum and prevent further preventable child deaths.

Read More