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SRS 2021 India Reports Decline in Maternal, Infant, and Child Mortality; Sex Ratio at Birth Improves

Published on 10-May-2025 07:34 PM

SRS 2021: India Reports Decline in Maternal, Infant, and Child Mortality; Sex Ratio at Birth Improves

Introduction

India’s population is facing a significant challenge with high maternal mortality rates. In 2021, the Indian Registration System (SRS) Report revealed a dramatic improvement in these metrics, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets. This report highlights critical trends contributing to a healthier population and a more equitable society.

Maternal Mortality Ratio

  • In 2014, India reported a maternal mortality ratio of 130 per lakh live births.
  • By 2021, this figure dropped to 93 per lakh live births, a nearly threefold reduction.
  • The decrease mirrors the same percentage decline in Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR).

Infant Mortality Rate

  • Infant mortality decreased from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021, a 26% reduction.
  • Neonatal mortality also dropped by the same percentage.

Under-Five Mortality Rate

  • U5MR declined from 45 per thousand live births in 2014 to 31 per thousand live births in 2021, a significant improvement over previous years.

Sex Ratio at Birth

India’s sex ratio at birth has improved dramatically. In 2014, the ratio was 899 per 1000 live births, while by 2021, it had increased to 913 per 1000 live births. A higher sex ratio indicates more boys being born, which is essential for long-term neonatal health and survival.

Total Fertility Rate

  • The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remained consistent at 2.0 in 2021, a modest improvement over the previous year’s TFR of 2.3.
  • This trend mirrors its performance from 2014 to 2020.

Conclusion

India’s progress toward addressing maternal and child mortality rates is commendable, as it directly contributes to reducing overall mortality. The improving sex ratio at birth underscores the need for greater male birth rates to ensure equitable healthcare access. These trends align with India’s commitment to achieving the SDG 2030 goals and showcasing a strong case for public health resilience. As more countries like India continue to lead in these areas, the global population’s health and well-being will surely improve.

source: SRS 2021 India Reports Decline in Maternal, Infant, and Chil...

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