Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes child mortality rates in Kerala compared to the national average?

1. Child Mortality Rates at different levels in Kerala are better than the national average.
2. Kerala's child mortality rates are generally higher than the national average.
3. While IMR is lower, other child mortality rates in Kerala are similar to the national average.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. ഒന്ന് മാത്രം

Understanding Child Mortality Rates in Kerala

The Kerala Model of Development

• The Kerala Model refers to a set of developmental achievements and processes, particularly in the areas of social welfare, health, and education, which have been attained by the state of Kerala.

• Unlike typical development models focusing primarily on economic growth, the Kerala Model prioritizes social indicators and human development outcomes.

Child Mortality Indicators

• Child mortality rates are crucial indicators of a region's health system, quality of life, and overall socio-economic development.

Key indicators commonly used include:

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): The number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births.

• Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR): The number of deaths of children under five years of age per 1,000 live births.

• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): Deaths during the first 28 days of life per 1,000 live births.

Kerala's Performance vs. National Average

• Kerala consistently demonstrates significantly lower child mortality rates across all categories (IMR, U5MR, NMR) when compared to the Indian national average.

• This superior performance is a defining characteristic and a major success of the Kerala Model in public health and human development.

• According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which is a primary source for such statistics:

• Kerala's IMR is among the lowest in India, often reported in single digits (e.g., around 4-6 deaths per 1,000 live births in recent NFHS rounds), comparable to many developed countries.

• The national average IMR, while showing improvement over the years, remains considerably higher (e.g., around 28 deaths per 1,000 live births as per NFHS-5, 2019-21).

• Similarly, U5MR and NMR in Kerala are also substantially lower than the corresponding national averages.

• Factors Contributing to Kerala's Success

• Robust Public Health System: An extensive and accessible network of primary health centers, sub-centers, and hospitals ensures widespread availability of healthcare services, even in remote areas.

• High Literacy Rates: Particularly high female literacy rates contribute to better health awareness, improved sanitation, and enhanced maternal and child care practices.

• Empowerment of Women: Greater social and economic autonomy for women plays a vital role in healthier family outcomes.

• Effective Public Distribution System (PDS): Ensuring food security and nutritional support, especially for vulnerable populations.

• Strong Political Commitment: Consistent government focus and investment in social sectors like health and education over decades.