What is Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)?
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) refers to the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births within the first year of life. It is a key indicator of a country's healthcare quality, maternal health, and overall socio-economic conditions.
This page explains the meaning of IMR, its calculation, global trends, and how it reflects a nation’s healthcare progress.
What is the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)?
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births within the first year of life. It serves as a key indicator of a country's healthcare system, maternal health, and socio-economic conditions.
A high IMR suggests poor healthcare services, malnutrition, infections, or inadequate maternal care, while a low IMR indicates better healthcare, sanitation, and overall living standards. Governments use IMR to assess healthcare programs and child survival rates, making it an essential tool for public health planning.
Types of Infant Mortality
Infant mortality is categorised based on when the death occurs:
1. Neonatal Mortality (0-28 days old)
Deaths occur within the first month of life.
Causes include premature birth, birth defects, infections, and complications during delivery.
2. Post-Neonatal Mortality (29 days - 1 year old)
Deaths happen between 1 month and 1 year of age.
Often due to malnutrition, infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and lack of medical care.
Reducing both neonatal and post-neonatal mortality requires better prenatal care, improved hospital facilities, and awareness programs for new parents.
Common Causes of Infant Mortality
1. Congenital Defects
Genetic conditions or birth defects affect the heart, brain, or other organs.
Some can be treated with early diagnosis and medical intervention.
2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Unexplained death of a healthy infant, usually during sleep.
Linked to unsafe sleeping positions, overheating, or premature birth.
3. Pregnancy Complications
Issues like high blood pressure, infections, and diabetes in the mother can impact the baby’s health.
Regular prenatal check-ups can help prevent complications.
4. Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight
Babies born before 37 weeks or with low birth weight are at higher risk.
Causes include poor maternal health, inadequate nutrition, and multiple pregnancies.
5. Infections and Diseases
Pneumonia, diarrhoea, and sepsis are leading causes of post-neonatal deaths.
Vaccination and hygiene measures can significantly reduce these deaths.
Infant Mortality Rate in India vs. Global Trends
India has made significant progress in lowering IMR but still faces regional disparities.
2019 IMR: 30 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2021 IMR: 27 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Urban IMR: Lower due to better healthcare.
Rural IMR: Higher due to limited medical access.
Why does Kerala Have the Lowest IMR in India?
A well-developed healthcare system with access to hospitals and neonatal care.
High literacy rates lead to better maternal awareness.
Government support programs for maternal and child healthcare.
Effective immunisation coverage reduces disease-related deaths.
Ways to Reduce Infant Mortality Rate
1. Strengthening Healthcare Services
More neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in hospitals.
Skilled healthcare professionals for safe childbirth.
2. Maternal Education and Awareness
Proper prenatal care for early risk detection.
Encouraging institutional deliveries in hospitals instead of home births.
3. Improving Nutrition
Supplementary nutrition programs for mothers and infants.
Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
4. Expanding Immunisation Programs
Vaccines for pneumonia, measles, and other preventable diseases.
Awareness about the importance of timely vaccinations.
5. Reducing Socio-Economic Inequalities
Better sanitation and hygiene to prevent infections.
Financial aid for maternal and child healthcare in low-income groups.
Conclusion
The Infant Mortality Rate is a key health indicator that reflects a country’s progress in healthcare and child survival. While India has improved IMR significantly, further efforts in maternal healthcare, immunisation, neonatal care, and economic upliftment are required to ensure healthier lives for infants.For more insights, check out related Links and enrol in Vedantu’s NEET and medical preparation programs to strengthen your concepts.
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FAQs on IMR Full Form –Infant Mortality Rate
1. What was India's infant mortality rate in 2019?
30 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2. What was India's infant mortality rate in 2021?
27 deaths per 1,000 live births.
3. Why is Kerala’s IMR lower than other Indian states?
Due to better healthcare, education, immunisation, and maternal health programmes.
4. What are the major causes of infant deaths in India?
Premature birth, infections, birth defects, and maternal health complications.
5. How does vaccination help in reducing IMR?
It prevents infectious diseases like pneumonia and measles, which contribute to infant deaths.
6. How does maternal health impact IMR?
Good maternal health ensures a safe pregnancy, healthy childbirth, and improved infant survival.
7. What is India's target IMR under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)?
India aims to reduce IMR to below 12 per 1,000 live births.
8. What government initiatives help reduce IMR in India?
Programmes like Janani Suraksha Yojana, Mission Indradhanush, and the National Health Mission.
9. How does breastfeeding benefit infant survival?
Breastfeeding boosts immunity, prevents infections, and supports overall infant health.
10. How can rural areas improve infant survival rates?
By expanding hospital facilities, increasing hygiene awareness, and improving maternal education.
