Introduction: Can India Dream of Zero Infant Mortality?
Let us take or rather think of a place where every newborn, irrespective of their religion or background, has nearly the same care at survival when compared to a child born in the wealthiest countries. Sounds pretty unbelievable and such children are lucky, right? Well, Kerala is making that dream a reality in remarkable ways.
When we look at the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report that was prepared in 2023, the state is noted to have achieved an infant mortality rate (IMR) of just 5 deaths for every 1,000 live births. This isn’t just a record low for India; it also puts Kerala ahead of the United States, which has an IMR of 5.6. To give you some perspective, India’s national average is still around 25. Consequently, it means a baby born in Kerala today is five times more likely to survive safely in their first year compared to those born in many other Indian states.
And the good part is that this achievement goes beyond just numbers. In fact, it’s about hope, resilience, and the impact of human policies and solutions in this state. This makes us wonder: How come Kerala is doing such things with a difference, and is it difficult for the rest of India to study lessons from their thoughts and lifestyle?
Kerala’s Journey: From Double Digits to Single Digit IMR
In the 1970s, it was noticed that Kerala’s IMR was more than 60 per 1,000 live births. This was almost close to India’s average at the time.
After decades of steady progress, the government officials in Kerala were able to reduce the figure to 6 in 2021. At present, an unprecedented 5 in 2023 is what numbers reveal to us.
Behind this success lies a series of efforts of continual investment for public health, education, and equity.
What are the Key Factors Behind Kerala’s Positive Change?
1. Strong Maternal and Child Healthcare Network
Kerala maintains high standards across its hospitals, even in rural belts. There are plenty of programmes like Muskaan that have raised delivery care standards. Consequently, this ensures safer births.
2. Neonatal Care Focus
The first 28 days of life are critical. Kerala has taken care to study, explore and invest in neonatal ICUs, advanced medical equipment. They have a high-quality workforce of trained medical specialists to handle premature and high-risk births.
3. Timely Screening Process and Medical Detection
Each infant born will be screened for genetic and congenital conditions. Thereby, it enables treatment at the earliest stage.
4. Flagship Schemes That Save Lives
Hridyam Project: Free treatment for infants with congenital heart disease.
Mathruyanam Scheme: Free transport for mothers and newborns to hospitals.
NICU Facilities: The modern facilities are offered to tribal and coastal regions, where medical attention is often not given in other nations.
5. Education and Borth Awareness
The reality check that the female literacy rate in Kerala above 95% is admirable. Kerala ensures mothers and even to be mothers are informed of health and child care. This makes the entire state proactive, and empowered in all their healthcare choices.
6. Bridging Rural-Urban Gaps
Unlike most Indian states, Kerala shows nearly equal IMR in rural and urban areas, proving equitable healthcare delivery.
Global Comparisons
- India (average IMR): 25
- United States: 5.6
- Japan: 2
- Kerala: 5
Kerala now ranks alongside advanced economies in child survival rates — a benchmark rarely seen in the developing world.
Challenges on the Horizon
- Maternal Mortality Fluctuations: Low fertility (TFR 1.46) means fewer births; small numbers of maternal deaths raise ratios.
- Sustainability of Low IMR: Further reductions require highly advanced interventions.
- Demographic Transition: An ageing population may shift healthcare priorities in the future.
Lessons for the Rest of India
- Invest in district-level neonatal care units.
- Provide free maternal transport schemes nationwide.
- Scale up female literacy and community health worker networks.
- Launch universal newborn screening programmes.
- Focus on equity in rural healthcare access.
Conclusion: Beyond Numbers for a better future
It is a fact to be recognised that Kerala’s infant mortality rate of 5 per 1,000 live births is far more than a statistic. This is a human story of education, research and change of mindset irrespective of culture and gender and religion. Each number makes us understand how important a newborn life is and that it is saved, a family spared grief, and a community strengthened. It reflects what is possible when healthcare is treated not as a privilege, but as a right.
But this milestone is not the finish line. Maintaining progress is harder as the numbers shrink; it requires constant vigilance, innovation, and adaptation to emerging challenges. Kerala’s journey also reminds us that health outcomes are shaped not just by hospitals, but by education, awareness, transport, and equity of access.
Also Read: Things to Consider When Looking for a Hospital for Your Pregnancy
For India, the message is clear: if one state can bridge the gap with developed nations, others can too. Replicating Kerala’s integrated model — blending medical excellence with social policy — could transform the national picture. Every newborn in India deserves the same chance at life that Kerala’s children now enjoy. The next step is turning Kerala’s success into a blueprint for India’s future.
