New Delhi: According to UNICEF study, every year in India, at least 6, 00,000 newborns die within 28 days of their birth. The report also points that 80% of these deaths can be prevented as these fatalities happen for no reason.
Globally this figure goes up to 2.6 million children who died in the first month of life in 2016. As per the report of UNICEF, out of 2.6 million, about one million die on the first day and close to one million dying within the next six days.
According to the news reported in India Today, the report says “The average annual rate of reduction in neonatal mortality required for India to reach the target is almost double the current level.”
The report also added that India is the only major country in the world to have increased mortality rates among girls as compared to boys.
Among the ‘lower middle-income countries’, India has been ranked 12th out of 52.
In terms of neonatal mortality rate, India ranks 31 among 184 countries. Earlier India ranked 28th out of 184 countries in terms of neonatal mortality rate.
Neonatal period is the first 28 days of life of a new born and it is the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival as they face the highest risk of dying in their first month of life.
The global rate is 19 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The study has found the number of newborn deaths in India was one of the highest in the world.
By 2030, it is expected that India will meet the Sustainable development goals target of reducing to 19 deaths per 1,000 live births.