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India Drives Sharp Decline in Child Mortality, UN Report Shows

India has been a key driver in sharply reducing child mortality across South Asia, according to a new UN report. The country's under-five mortality rate has fallen 79% since 1990, largely due to scaled-up public health interventions. Programs like universal immunization and strengthened newborn care units have tackled preventable causes of death. This progress positions India as a replicable model for other high-burden nations aiming to meet global child survival goals.

Key Points: India's Child Mortality Falls Sharply, UN Report 2025

  • 79% fall in under-five mortality since 1990
  • Neonatal mortality rate down 70% since 1990
  • Focus on preventable diseases like pneumonia & diarrhea
  • Scaling up Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)
  • Region's fastest reduction in child deaths
3 min read

India accelerates child survival gains; sustained efforts driving a sharp decline in child mortality

UN report highlights India's 79% decline in under-five mortality since 1990, driven by immunization and newborn care programs.

"India's success demonstrates that targeted, large-scale, and equity-driven interventions can deliver rapid results."

New Delhi, March 18

India has emerged as a key contributor to global progress in reducing child mortality, according to the latest United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation Report 2025. The report highlights India's sustained and large-scale efforts in improving child survival outcomes, particularly across neonatal and under-five mortality indicators.

Over the past two decades, India has played a pivotal role in reducing child mortality in the South Asia region, which has witnessed a 76% decline in under-five deaths since 1990 and 68% decline since 2000. This sharp reduction is largely driven by countries like India through targeted public health interventions, improved institutional delivery systems, and expanded immunisation coverage.

The region's under-five mortality rate has fallen significantly, from 92 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to nearly 32 in 2024, reflecting sustained progress in child health outcomes.

India's focused interventions have contributed to reducing deaths caused by preventable conditions such as Pneumonia, Diarrhoea, Malaria and Birth-related complications.

The report underscores that a majority of child deaths are preventable or treatable, and India's scaling up of interventions such as the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), Facility-based newborn care, and Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) has significantly improved survival rates.

India's improvements in neonatal care systems have been particularly impactful. Across Southern Asia, Neonatal deaths declined by nearly 60% since 2000 and Mortality in children aged 1-59 months declined by over 75%.

This reflects India's emphasis on skilled birth attendance, strengthening Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), and expanding antenatal and postnatal care.

While Southern Asia still accounts for nearly 25% of global under-five deaths, the region has made one of the fastest reductions globally, positioning India as a leader among high-burden countries.

India's success demonstrates that targeted, large-scale, and equity-driven interventions can deliver rapid results, even in populous and diverse settings.The report also highlights emerging priorities where India is actively focusing: Tackling neonatal mortality, which now constitutes a larger share of under-five deaths

Addressing prematurity and birth complications, which remain the leading causes.

India remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, with the under-five mortality rate below 25 per 1,000 live births. Neonatal mortality rate below 12 per 1,000 live births

With accelerated interventions, India is well-positioned to further reduce preventable deaths and contribute significantly to global child survival goals.

India's progress stands as a strong example of how policy prioritisation, scale, and sustained public health efforts can drive transformative outcomes. As global progress slows, India's momentum offers both hope and a replicable model for other nations.

Neonatal Mortality Rate records a decline of 70% from 1990. In 1990, India had an NMR of 57, which has now fallen to 17 in 2024.

Under 5 Mortality Rate witnesses a sharp fall of 79% from the 1990s data. In 1990, the U5MR stood at 127, while in 2024 it declined to 27.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great progress, but we must not become complacent. The report itself says neonatal mortality is still a challenge. We need to ensure these SNCUs and quality care reach every district, especially in rural and tribal areas. The last mile is always the hardest.
A
Aman W
The numbers speak for themselves. A 76% decline is no small feat for a country of our size and diversity. Kudos to all the ASHA workers, nurses, and doctors on the ground. Their tireless work is saving lives every day.
S
Sarah B
Working with an NGO in UP, I've witnessed this transformation first-hand. The expansion of the immunisation programme and awareness about institutional deliveries has been a game-changer. It's a model other developing nations should study.
V
Vikram M
This is the real development we should be celebrating. Saving children's lives is the most important work a nation can do. Hope the momentum continues and we hit those SDG targets well before time. More power to our health ministry!
K
Kavya N
While the large-scale programmes are commendable, we also need to focus on nutrition and sanitation. A healthy child needs more than just vaccines. Addressing stunting and clean water access will further boost these survival rates.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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