UNFPA Report on India's Population Trends and Reproductive Health Inequalities

• 18 Apr 2024

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of World Population - 2024 report revealed India's population estimates, reproductive health disparities, and progress towards maternal healthcare.

Key Points

• Population Trends: India's estimated population reaches 144 crore, projected to double in 77 years, surpassing China.
• Age Demographics: 24% of India's population is aged 0-14, with significant segments in the 10-19 and 10-24 age ranges.
• Maternal Health Progress: Maternal deaths in India decline, accounting for 8% of global fatalities, attributed to improved access to maternal healthcare.
• Inequities Persist: Despite progress, dramatic inequities in maternal mortality persist, with disparities among districts and vulnerable groups.
• Gender-Based Violence: Women with disabilities face up to 10 times higher risk of gender-based violence, highlighting systemic inequalities.
• Healthcare Access Disparities: Improvements in healthcare access primarily benefit wealthier and ethnic groups, leaving marginalized communities behind.
• Challenges Ahead: Inequalities persist in women's bodily autonomy and access to contraception, posing challenges to achieving reproductive health equity.