Simple Steps to Lower Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates in India

Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality in India: Practical Measures That Work.

Preventive maternal care and early screening are among the most effective ways to reduce maternal and infant mortality in India. Alongside timely identification and management of complications, improving maternal health and promoting healthy behaviours can save countless lives.

Progress can be measured through indicators such as the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), both of which have been steadily declining, says Dr Ravi Malik, MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), Founder & Medical Director, Malik Radix Healthcare.

Key Interventions to Lower Mortality:

Regular Antenatal Care (ANC) Visits:
Routine check-ups allow doctors to monitor maternal health and detect complications early, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, and other conditions that, if untreated, can lead to maternal or infant deaths.

Improved Nutrition and Supplementation:

Maternal Health: Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation reduces maternal anaemia and prevents life-threatening bleeding.

Infant Health: Adequate maternal nutrition lowers risks of low birth weight and stunting, significantly improving newborn survival.

Health Education and Behavioural Change:
ANC visits provide opportunities to educate mothers on healthy diets, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, early detection of complications, and other lifestyle choices that protect both mother and baby.

Skilled Birth Attendance:
Mothers who attend ANC are more likely to deliver under the supervision of trained health workers, ensuring timely interventions during labour complications, which is crucial to lowering mortality.

Early Breastfeeding and Postnatal Care:
Counselling encourages early initiation of breastfeeding, which reduces infant mortality and morbidity. Women are also guided on accessing essential obstetric care and emergency services if needed.

Community-Based Interventions:
Health workers provide services to remote populations, conduct home visits, and organize community programs. These interventions improve early detection of problems and adoption of healthy practices, significantly reducing neonatal deaths.

Evidence of Progress in India:

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Declined from 130 per 100,000 live births (2014–16) to 88 (2020–22).

Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): Fell from 26 per 1,000 live births (2014) to 20 (2020).

These improvements reflect enhanced maternal healthcare services, public health initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, and a strong network of frontline health workers.

With early detection, proper nutrition, skilled care, and community support, India can continue to reduce maternal and infant mortality, ensuring safer pregnancies and healthier generations.