Kerala Records Infant Mortality Rate Lower Than US

Kerala has achieved a significant public health milestone, reducing its infant mortality rate to 5 per 1,000 live births, which is lower than the United States' rate of 5.6, according to the 2023 Sample Registration System Statistical Report. This rate is the lowest in India, with the national average standing at 25, and Kerala's infant mortality is consistent across both rural and urban areas, demonstrating equitable healthcare access throughout the state. The state government has implemented several initiatives contributing to this success, including the Mother and Child Friendly Hospital Initiative, comprehensive newborn screening, and the Hridyam scheme providing free treatment for congenital heart diseases. Kerala's healthcare improvements are reflected in the high rates of institutional deliveries in both rural and urban sectors, alongside national quality certifications for maternity care in multiple hospitals. Additionally, Kerala, alongside Tamil Nadu, leads South India in recording the country's lowest crude birth rates, highlighting a broader demographic transition fueled by social progress and economic development. These achievements underscore Kerala's robust healthcare system and its ability to provide high-quality maternal and child health services to all populations, including tribal and coastal communities.