Question

What is considered a primary reason for Kerala's achievements in reducing child mortality rates?

1. 99.9 per cent of mothers in Kerala receive medical attention from qualified professionals during delivery.
2. The majority of deliveries in Kerala occur at home with traditional birth attendants.
3. High literacy rates among men are the sole reason for improved child mortality.

• A. രണ്ടും മൂന്നും
• B. ഒന്നും മൂന്നും
• C. ഒന്ന് മാത്രം
• D. രണ്ട്

Answer 1

Answer:

C. ഒന്ന് മാത്രം

Primary Reason for Reduced Child Mortality in Kerala: Skilled Professional Care during Delivery

• High Institutional Deliveries: Kerala boasts nearly 100% (around 99.8% as per NFHS-5, 2019-21) of births occurring in health facilities, a stark contrast to the national average. This ensures that almost all deliveries are attended by qualified healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and trained midwives).

• Impact of Skilled Birth Attendance: The presence of skilled birth attendants during delivery is paramount for reducing complications for both mother and child. It facilitates immediate intervention in case of emergencies, ensures proper hygiene, and provides essential postnatal care, which significantly lowers both the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR).

• Kerala Model of Development: This remarkable achievement is a defining characteristic of the 'Kerala Model of Development,' which has historically prioritized social development indicators like education and public health over rapid industrialization. This long-standing commitment has built a robust and accessible public health infrastructure.

• Robust Public Health Infrastructure: Kerala has a well-established and widely accessible network of government healthcare institutions, including Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and district hospitals, ensuring that quality maternal and child health services are available across the state.

• High Literacy Rates and Health Awareness: While not the sole reason, Kerala's high literacy rates, especially among women (female literacy rate is over 92%), play a crucial supporting role. Literate mothers are generally more aware of health and hygiene practices, more likely to seek prenatal care, opt for institutional deliveries, and follow postnatal health advice, thereby contributing to better child health outcomes.

• Impressive Health Indicators: Kerala's health indicators are comparable to those of many developed nations. Its IMR (around 6 per 1000 live births as per SRS 2018-20) and U5MR are among the lowest in India and significantly better than the national averages (India's IMR was 28 in 2020).