UN report highlights great strides for India in under-five child survival

New Delhi - According to the UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), a report released on 25 March 2025, under-five mortality in India declined from 48 to 28 per 1,000 live births between 2015 and 2023, while neonatal mortality dropped from 28 to 17 per 1,000 live births in the same period.

These are important achievements for India, a testament to millions of lives saved and transformed. Furthermore, since the SDGs were launched in 2015, India has achieved a 42 per cent reduction in under-five mortality, compared with an average of 33 per cent in South Asia and 14 per cent globally. Neonatal mortality for the same period has declined by 39 per cent, compared with 28 per cent in South Asia and 11 per cent globally. India’s tremendous gains in child survival will not only help inform global efforts but can also serve as an example for other countries striving to improve child survival outcomes.

These gains have been driven by a comprehensive approach — strengthening of health systems, expanding access to life-saving interventions, providing equitable healthcare for mothers and children across the life-course, and multi-sectoral interventions like the Swachh Bharat Mission, and Poshan Abhiyaan. At the heart of this progress lies India's commitment to universal health coverage, such as Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health assurance and primary health care scheme, where millions of families receive free maternal and child healthcare services, including institutional deliveries, essential medications, diagnostics, dietary support, and primary care at health and wellness centres.

India prioritized the training and deployment of skilled birth attendants, ensuring safe deliveries and quality neonatal and childcare in facilities and homes. With data-driven decision-making, digital surveillance, and cutting-edge research, India continues to refine its strategies to further reduce preventable child deaths.

As India continues its journey toward ending preventable child deaths, its progress stands as a testament to the impact of political will, strategic investments, and community-driven healthcare solutions. With a strong foundation in place, the country is poised to safeguard the lives of millions more children in the years ahead.

Congratulating the Government of India and UNICEF’s longstanding partner, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, said, “UNICEF commends the Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for India’s progress in reducing under-five child mortality and improving newborn survival. India’s journey in reducing child mortality is powerful evidence that when commitment, investment and action come together, it reinforces that child survival is not a matter of chance but of choice. With consistent focus on equity and holistic health, India is paving the way towards a future where every child not only survives but thrives.’

“At UNICEF, we are a proud and long-standing partner in this important journey. Together, we remain steadfast in our shared commitment: to support every child’s chance to survive and thrive, every mother’s access to quality care, and leaving no community behind, she said.”

Key data analysis:

Under -5 mortality

· The per cent reduction in Under-5 child mortality was higher in India (78%) than in South Asia (73.2%) and globally (60.6%) from 1990 to 2023.

· India’s global share in Under-5 child mortality reduced from 27% in 1990 to 13.5% in 2023

Neonatal mortality

· The per cent reduction in neonatal mortality was higher in India (70.2%) than in South Asia (63.2%) and globally (54.1%) from 1990 to 2023

· India’s global share in neonatal mortality reduced from 30.7% in 1990 to 17.6% in 2023

* The UN IGME estimates are not the official statistics of India. The Sample Registration System (SRS) of ORGI is the official data source of India for all mortality estimates