India’s Infant Mortality Rate Drops to 25, Marking Decade-Long Progress

Quick Summary

• IMR Decline: india’s infant mortality rate (IMR) reached a record low of 25 in 2023, down 37.5% from 40 in 2013 and an overall drop of 80% since 1971 when it stood at 129.
• Highest and Lowest IMR States:

– Highest: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh (37).
– Lowest: Manipur (3). Kerala recorded single-digit IMR of 5.

• Urban vs Rural IMR Comparison:

– Urban areas declined from IMR of 27 to 18 (-33%).
– Rural areas dropped from IMR of 44 to ~28 (-36%).

• birth Rate Trends: India’s birth rate fell significantly over decades-from a high of 36.9 in the year1971-it now averages at **18.4 births ratio respectively