Discuss the causes responsible for infant mortality in India.

Looking at the rate of infant mortality, it is clear that India needs more attention and development in the health sector. There are several reasons for such a high rate of infant and child mortality. The major causes of death during the first few months after birth include diarrhoea, respiratory infection, malnutrition, dehydration, malaria and pneumonia. Lack of education among mother and socio-economic condition of the family is also responsible for infant mortality in India.

             i.     Diarrhoea: In India, it has been found that diarrhoea is one of the major cause of infant deaths. Diarrhoea is responsible for 22 per cent of infant deaths in India.

             ii.     Respiratory infection: It has been estimated that 11 per cent of infant deaths India occur due to respiratory infections.

            iii.     Malnutrition: Malnutrition is one of the leading problems in India. Most families in India live below the poverty line and are affected by diseases caused by malnutrition.

            iv.     Dehydration: The important underlying cause of infant mortality is dehydration.

            v.     Malaria and Pneumonia: Malaria during pregnancy reduces birth weight, and low birth weight is a major determinant of infant mortality in India.

            vi.     Women Education: Lack of basic education for women is considered to be one of the most important causes of infant mortality.

           vii.     Socio-economic factors: Social and economic factors are another important contributor to infant mortality. The various socio-economic factors that have an effect on infant and child mortality are the income level of the family and socio-culture beliefs within the family.

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