Understanding Key Mortality Indicators
Mortality rates are fundamental indicators of a region's public health status, healthcare accessibility, and overall socio-economic development.
In India, the primary source for comprehensive demographic and health statistics, including mortality rates, is the Sample Registration System (SRS), conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
Definitions of Key Mortality Rates:
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Defined as the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births. It is a highly sensitive indicator reflecting a nation's health and development.
Neo-Natal Mortality Rate (NNMR): Represents deaths of live-born infants during the first 28 completed days of life per 1,000 live births. These deaths are often due to birth-related complications, prematurity, or infections.
Post Neo-natal Mortality Rate (PNNMR): Measures deaths of infants aged 28 days to under one year per 1,000 live births. Causes are often related to nutrition, infections, and environmental factors. PNNMR = IMR - NNMR.
Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): The probability of a child born in a specific year dying before reaching the age of five years, per 1,000 live births. It provides a comprehensive picture of child survival.
