Haryana Infant Mortality Drops to 24 per 1,000 Live Births, Matching National Average

Haryana’s infant mortality rate has fallen from 26 to 24 per 1,000 live births, according to a recent report, bringing the state’s figure in line with the national average. The decline, though modest, marks a shift after years of higher-than-average losses, especially among boys and in urban pockets.

The report, published by the Hindustan Times, indicates that the overall mortality rate now stands at 24 per 1,000 live births, the same as the figure reported across India. However, the data also highlights that male infants continue to die at a higher clip than their female counterparts, and that infants born in cities such as Chandigarh and Panchkula face a disproportionately higher risk.

Virender Yadav, director of the National Health Mission in Haryana, said the improvement is encouraging but underscored the urgency of further action. “There is a need to counter the infant mortality rate,” he told the newspaper, adding that the health mission will intensify its focus on the identified hotspots.

Health officials attribute the dip to a combination of expanded antenatal care, increased vaccination coverage, and better referral networks in rural blocks. Yet the persistence of male infant mortality suggests that gender‑specific interventions may be required, while urban areas still lag in reaching pregnant women promptly.

The data also reflects broader trends in the region, where public health programmes have been rolled out over the past decade. The state’s health department notes that the latest figures come amid ongoing efforts to strengthen primary health centres and to improve data collection at the grassroots level.

While the reduction to the national average is a positive indicator, experts caution that the fight against infant mortality is far from over. Addressing the higher mortality among boys and in urban settings will likely require targeted campaigns, enhanced monitoring, and sustained investment in maternal and child health services.

The report’s findings serve as a reminder that progress in public health is incremental. For Haryana, the next phase will involve translating the overall decline into concrete gains for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring that every newborn, regardless of gender or location, has an equal chance at survival.

Nationally, the infant mortality rate has also trended downward, settling at 24 per 1,000 live births in recent years, according to health ministry data. Haryana’s progress mirrors this pattern, suggesting that state-level health drives have contributed to the broader decline.

The report also points out that while the overall figure is encouraging, the disparity between rural and urban infant mortality remains a challenge, with urban areas showing a slower rate of improvement. Health officials say that targeted urban outreach programs will be crucial to bridge this gap.

Experts note that continued monitoring of vital statistics, improved referral mechanisms, and community awareness campaigns are key to sustaining the downward trend. The health mission’s plan to expand its network of accredited social health activists could play a pivotal role in reaching underserved populations.

The latest data, while not indicating a dramatic shift, underscores the importance of sustained policy focus. As Haryana moves forward, the combination of targeted interventions and broader health system strengthening is expected to keep the infant mortality rate on a downward trajectory.

Source: Hindustan Times