UNICEF praises Kerala’s infant survival gains, flags focus on non-communicable diseases

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s infant mortality rate (IMR) is now comparable to several advanced nations, a senior UNICEF official said, highlighting the state’s public health success while warning that new challenges, such as childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs), require urgent attention.

Dr Raoul Bermejo, UNICEF Representative in New York and Health Specialist leading global work on NCDs, on Monday, said Kerala has made remarkable strides in reducing infant deaths.

" Kerala is one of the states in India that has addressed infant mortality. The rates and levels of infant mortality here are similar to Sweden, Norway, and much more advanced countries,” he told reporters during a visit to the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

Kerala records India’s lowest infant mortality rate

According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report, Kerala has the lowest infant mortality rate in India, at 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. In contrast, India’s national average stands at 25 deaths per 1,000 live births.

The state health department noted that Kerala’s IMR is on par with many developed countries. The United States records 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, while UN data shows Sweden’s under-five mortality rate at 2.5 and Norway’s at 2.4 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Public health experts say Kerala’s sustained investments in maternal and child healthcare, immunisation coverage, primary health infrastructure and literacy have contributed significantly to this achievement.

Shift in focus: From infectious diseases to NCDs in children

With infectious diseases such as malaria and pneumonia largely under control in the state, child health priorities are evolving.

“In these kinds of contexts, we're looking at issues in health and well-being of children beyond those traditional malaria and pneumonia concerns, any more that are important here in Kerala,” Bermejo said.

He stressed that survival alone is no longer sufficient. “We should make sure that children thrive and beyond survival they should thrive, and also be able to participate in meaningful ways in society,” he added.

This transition has brought childhood non-communicable diseases into sharper focus. Risk factors for adult NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, often begin in childhood and adolescence.

“When you look at prevention of risk factors for adult NCDs, these are behaviours that are established in childhood and adolescence,” Bermejo said.

Strengthening health systems for chronic care

UNICEF is seeking closer collaboration with the Kerala government, the Child Rights Commission and the state health department to develop policies addressing child and adolescent health, mental well-being and chronic disease management.

Bermejo emphasised that health systems must evolve to support children already living with chronic illnesses.

“Traditionally, our health systems have not really evolved in chronic care because they have been addressing acute infections and communicable diseases,” he said.

He added that Kerala’s public health model offers valuable lessons for other regions.

“The lessons that we see here in Kerala are relevant for many countries in the world," he said, underscoring UNICEF’s interest in promoting a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to child health.

PTI