Decades of investment in health and social infrastructure went into getting the southern state’s infant mortality rate down to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births—far lower than the national average of 25.
About a week ago, the Indian government’s Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2023 revealed key demographic indicators, including fertility, birth and death rates. Among them, a number that stood out was Kerala’s infant mortality rate (IMR), which has dropped to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The IMR measures the number of children who die before the age of one for every 1,000 live births—an important indicator of public health and development. India’s national average is 25, with wide variations: the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh stand at 37 while Tamil Nadu, which has the second-lowest …
Bhuvana Sri graduated from TISS with an MA in Media and Cultural Studies. She also has a master's in English Literature. She has had stints in publishing houses, museums and arts & culture organisations in Chennai and Bengaluru.
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