Child Survival Status in India.

The National Health Mission (NHM, previously called National Rural Health Mission) was launched by Government of India in 2005 to make architectural correction of the Health system. One of the primary Goals of the Mission was to reduce Under five Mortality rate (U5MR) vis a vis Global commitment made under Millennium development Goals especially Goal numbering 4. Although, India still contributes to about one fifth of U5MR and Maternal Mortality rate but unfortunately it contributes to one third of Global Neonatal Mortality Rate. In sheer numbers alone, these rates are alarming. However, India has achieved a faster pace of reduction in U5MR by 46.5% in comparison to 41% for the entire world. In this article, data from Sample Registration System of the Registrar General of India which is available for most of the States/UTs has been analyzed for child health indicators in the country. In the next NHM phase, focused efforts need to be made with state specific Goals so as that the desired targets could be achieved.