What is considered the primary indicator of maternal health?

AInfant Mortality Rate (IMR)

BMaternal Mortality Rate (MMR)

CLife Expectancy

DBirth Rate

Answer:

The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a specified period.
A maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.
It is a crucial public health indicator that reflects the overall health and well-being of a population, particularly women.

MMR is considered the primary indicator because it directly measures the ultimate adverse outcome: preventable deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.
It provides insight into the accessibility and quality of health services, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and emergency obstetric care.
A high MMR often points to systemic failures in healthcare, poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and nutrition.
Conversely, a low MMR signifies a robust healthcare system, improved socioeconomic conditions, and empowered women.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 specifically targets reducing the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Historically, the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 also aimed to improve maternal health and reduce MMR by 75% between 1990 and 2015.
Many countries, including India, have launched national programs like the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) to reduce MMR by promoting institutional deliveries and providing free services for pregnant women and newborns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines and technical support to countries for monitoring and reducing maternal mortality.

Antenatal Care (ANC): Regular check-ups during pregnancy help in identifying and managing complications early.
Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA): Deliveries assisted by trained health professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives) significantly reduce the risk of complications and death.
Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC): Availability of services for managing complications like severe bleeding, eclampsia, or obstructed labor is critical.
Postnatal Care (PNC): Care provided in the period immediately after birth is vital for detecting and managing postpartum complications.
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, poor nutrition, early marriage, and inadequate sanitation contribute to higher MMR.

Kerala is often cited as a success story (the Kerala Model of Development) for achieving health indicators comparable to developed countries despite lower per capita income.
Key factors contributing to Kerala's significantly lower MMR compared to the national average include:
- High Female Literacy: Empowered women are more likely to seek healthcare.
- Strong Public Healthcare System: Widespread network of primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals providing accessible and affordable care.
- High Institutional Delivery Rates: Most deliveries occur in healthcare facilities with skilled professionals.
- Social Equity and Public Investment: Emphasis on social sectors like health and education, contributing to better overall well-being.

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