The United Nations commended India’s efforts in reducing maternal mortality by 70 per cent
New Delhi| The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Wednesday appreciated India’s unique progress in maternal health and family planning. During this time, India was awarded for reducing the maternal mortality rate (MMR) by 70% between 2000 and 2020.
Maternal mortality means the number of deaths during pregnancy or childbirth for every 1 hundred thousand live births. This includes mothers who die within 42 days of delivery, miscarriage or termination of pregnancy.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) set by the United Nations for up to 2030 is to bring maternal mortality below 70. UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kennem “This has saved the lives of thousands of women across the country, especially those from marginalized communities”, said in an ovation for the achievement.
On this occasion, she honored Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava by giving her certificate and insignia. “This will help India achieve the target of reducing maternal mortality rate below 70 even before 2030”, she adds. India’s maternal mortality rate has declined by a large 82.5% between 1990 and 2020.
This success is the result of targeted efforts of the government. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched several schemes to improve maternal health and prevent any maternal deaths. These include ‘Safe Maternity Assurance Yojana’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, and ‘Midwifery Service Initiative’.
India has already attained Total Fertility Rate (TFR) 2.0 in 31 States/UTs. However, this target has not been achieved in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur. TFR means the average number of children born per woman.
India’s fertility rate is expected to decline from 1.96 to 1.69 early next century. The total fertility rate 2.2 shows the level where the population remains stable. If it falls below this, the population may decline, although the population may continue to grow for some time as life expectancy increases and the number of young women increases.
