World Health Day 2025: Shocking Rise in Infant Deaths in Delhi – An Urgent Wake-Up Call

As the world observes World Health Day 2025, alarming data has emerged from Delhi — India’s capital city is witnessing the death of an average of 20 infants every day. Despite ongoing government efforts to improve maternal and child health, infant mortality in Delhi remains a growing concern.

🚨 The Startling Statistics

In 2023, 7,439 infants under the age of one died in Delhi. What's more concerning is that 60% of these deaths occurred within the first four months of life. The infant mortality rate (IMR) in Delhi has climbed to 23.61%, highlighting deep gaps in healthcare access and infrastructure.

Year-wise Infant Deaths in Delhi:

In 2023, 4,439 male and 2,995 female infants lost their lives before reaching their first birthday.

🩺 What’s Causing the Deaths?

The leading causes of these deaths include:

• Poor fetal development during pregnancy

• Malnutrition

• Pneumonia (18.51%)

• Septicemia (14.95%)

• Respiratory issues and oxygen deficiency (9.49%)

• Shock (6.27%)

Doctors point out that while institutional deliveries have increased to 95.58% in Delhi, and maternal mortality has dropped below 0.50%, neonatal and infant care remains inadequate.

🏥 Gaps in the Healthcare System

A major issue is the lack of neonatal and pediatric intensive care facilities in public hospitals. Many government hospitals:

• Do not offer emergency cesarean surgeries

• Lack Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU)

• Cannot provide timely treatment to critical infants

This lack of critical care infrastructure continues to contribute to avoidable infant deaths.

🌍 How Does India Compare Globally?

In countries like the USA, only 5 to 6 infant deaths occur per 1,000 live births — a much lower rate than India. While India has made progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality over the past two decades, there’s still a long way to go.

🌐 World Health Day 2025 Theme:

"Health for All: Hope Begins with a Healthy Start"
The theme emphasizes maternal and child health, aiming to reduce deaths by strengthening early care systems and ensuring health access for all.

✅ What Needs to Be Done?

To combat this crisis, India needs:

• More NICUs and PICUs in public hospitals

• Better maternal nutrition programs

• Awareness campaigns targeting early detection and care

• Faster implementation of government schemes to reach underprivileged families

Final Thoughts

World Health Day 2025 reminds us that health equity must begin at birth. Delhi’s infant mortality crisis is a call to action — for the government, healthcare professionals, and society at large. Every child deserves a chance to survive and thrive.

Reference from:-https://www.jagran.com/delhi/new-delhi-city-ncr-world-health-day-2025-on-an-average-20-infants-are-dying-every-day-in-delhi-23913349.html