Page 4 - Final Lesson-2.pmd

Early Childhood in India

years from as high as 74 children per 1000 live births. In 2015-2016, the U5IMR
was 50. More families have improved sanitation and clean drinking water.

Indictors Urban Rural Total Notes
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) 29 46 41

Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) 34 56 50

Source: India Fact Sheet, National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015-2016),
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Government of India

2.2.1.3 Maternal Mortality and Health
Maternal mortality refers to death that occurs due to complications during
pregnancy and childbirth. If a woman is pregnant or dies within 42 days of
termination of pregnancy, it is also referred to as maternal mortality. A number
of initiatives have been taken by the government to reduce maternal mortality.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) commended India’s progress in reducing
maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by 77% from 556 per 1000 live births in 1990
to 130 per 1000 live births in 2016. (https://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/tags/
maternal-mortality-ratio). Maternal mortality affects the survival and development
of the child. It is related to mother’s age, health and wellbeing. The NFHS (2015-
16) provides encouraging details about decrease in the number of women married
under 18 years of age. It is 26.8 as compared to 47.4 in 2005-06. This directly
impacts IMR as girls below 18 may not be ready for robust motherhood.

2.2.1.4 Health and Nutrition
There is a direct connection between good health and development. When a
child is born, families are advised about immunization schedules. The local ICDS
centres often provide primary health care and immunization through regular
clinics or specially arranged camps. The nutritional status of children in India
has been abysmal.However, recent efforts have led to positive outcomes,especially
a total eradication of polio. A number of programmes have been initiated by the
government to improve the health and nutritional status of children.

The most recent estimate in 2015-2016 from NFHS-4, indicates that 35.8% of
children under five years are low in weight, while almost 38.4 do not gain
height. This wasting (not enough weight) and stunting (not enough height) are
signs of malnutrition and lack of stimulation.

For good health of both mother and child,breastfeeding is best both from the
point of wholesome diet for the newborn and protection from infection.
Currently, the suggested norm is for newborns to be on breast milk exclusively
for the first six months. NFHS-4 data records 41.6% mothers can breast feed
within one hour of delivery while 54.9% mothers breast fed babies under six
months.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 15