Examining India’s child mortality: Unravelling the causes of death from 2015-2019
Keywords:
Child Mortality, India, Cause of Death, Verbal Autopsy, Sustainable Development GoalsAbstract
Child mortality in India constitutes a significant portion of global child deaths. Despite progress, challenges persist due to incomplete documentation and socio-cultural barriers. This study examines into the complexities surrounding child mortality in India, emphasizing the urgent need for effective interventions. The objective of this study is to analyze child mortality in India within the 0-4 age group. The research draws from Cause of Death Statistics collected nationwide, from multiple years (2015-2017, 2016-2018, and 2017-2019) ensuring a broad representation of the country's demographic and geographic diversity. The research aims to identify patterns and causative factors contributing to child mortality. The study focuses on refining the classification systems for low-resource settings, incorporating improved verbal autopsy methods. The data, collected using Virtual Autopsy (VA) methods, presents a representative sample across States in India including both urban and rural areas. The data encompasses a range of sociodemographic factors, contributing to a nuanced understanding of child mortality patterns in India. The study advocates for innovative approaches, including enhanced verbal autopsy techniques and home-based preventive care strategies, to address the persisting challenges. The findings emphasize the importance of sustained efforts and targeted interventions.
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