India Drives Global Decline in Child Mortality: UN Report

On 17th March 2026, according to the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025, India has emerged as a major contributor to global progress in reducing child mortality.

Key Points

Significant Decline in Mortality Rates:
- Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) declined ~70% (57 in 1990 → 17 in 2024)
- Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined ~79% (127 in 1990 → 27 in 2024)
Regional Impact (Southern Asia):
- 76% decline in under-five deaths since 1990
- 68% decline since 2000
- Under-five mortality reduced from 92 (2000) → ~32 (2024) per 1,000 live births
Major Causes Addressed: Pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, and birth-related complications, mostly preventable or treatable conditions
Key Government Interventions:
- Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
- Facility-based newborn care
- Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI)
Neonatal & Child Health Gains:
- Neonatal deaths declined ~60% since 2000
- Mortality (1-59 months) declined over 75%
Strengthened Healthcare Systems:
- Increased skilled birth attendance
- Expansion of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs)
- Improved antenatal and postnatal care
Global Position: Southern Asia still accounts for ~25% of global under-five deaths, but shows one of the fastest decline rates, with India leading progress.
Emerging Challenges:
- Rising share of neonatal mortality in total child deaths
- Prematurity and birth complications as key causes
- Urban-rural and inter-state disparities
SDG Targets:
- Under-5 mortality <25 per 1,000 live births
- Neonatal mortality <12 per 1,000 live births