Why in the News?
A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health highlights that India may struggle to meet the SDG target of reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030.
Key Findings of the Study
India’s Progress in Maternal Mortality
- 1990: 1.19 lakh maternal deaths
- 2015: 36,900 deaths
- 2023: 24,700 deaths
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
- 1990: 508 deaths per lakh live births
- 2023: 116 deaths per lakh live births
India has made significant progress, but rate of improvement has slowed.
Global Scenario
- Global maternal deaths (2023): 2.4 lakh
- India accounts for ~10% of global maternal deaths
- Out of 204 countries:
- 100 countries achieved SDG target (<70 MMR)
- 104 countries yet to achieve
- Countries struggling like India: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Pakistan
India’s Position
- India falls in MMR range: 100–140
(SDG target: Below 70) - However, India remains among countries with largest improvement since 1990, along with: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nepal, and Rwanda
State-wise Disparity
States pulling India’s MMR down: Assam and Uttar Pradesh
SRS Data:
- India: 122 (2015-17) → 88 (2021-23)
- Assam: 215 → 110
- Uttar Pradesh: 197 → 141
- Southern states are closer to achieving SDG target.
| [2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna: 1 It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2 Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women. 3 It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 4 Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
