Achieving Sdg 3.2: Challenges and Prospects for Reducing Neonatal and under-Five Mortality in India’s States and Districts

Jayanta Bora, VART Consulting

Child mortality remains a significant public health challenge in India, despite the country’s economic and social progress. This study assesses the feasibility of meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, which targets reducing neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030. Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5), Sample Registration System (SRS), and other national health indicators, we analyze child mortality trends and their determinants across Indian states and districts. The analysis highlights substantial regional disparities: while states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are nearing SDG targets, states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar lag significantly. Key factors influencing mortality rates, including maternal health, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and immunization coverage, are examined. The impact of COVID-19 on child health services is also considered, as it poses a risk to reversing progress. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and stronger maternal and child health programs to address these disparities. Achieving the SDG target by 2030 will require concerted efforts to overcome persistent inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes. Keywords: Child mortality, Sustainable Development Goals, neonatal mortality, under-five mortality, healthcare disparities, India, public health

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Spatial Demography, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Gender Dynamics

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