Kollam: Kerala’s latest health statistics reveal an alarming trend — one in seven babies born in the state is underweight.

According to the Health at a Glance 2023-24 report, 51,608 newborns, or 14% of the 3.74 lakh live births last year, weighed less than 2.5 kilograms. Despite the state’s 99% institutional delivery rate, the share of underweight babies has steadily increased over the past five years.

Between 2019 and 2024, Kerala recorded 21.1 lakh live births, and the proportion of low birth weight babies rose from 11% in 2019-20 to 14% in 2023-24.

  • In 2019-20, 51,471 babies (11%) out of 4.64 lakh were underweight.
  • In 2020-21, the figure was 49,454 (12%) of 4.25 lakh.
  • In 2021-22, it climbed to 52,124 (12%) of 4.3 lakh births.
  • In 2022-23, 56,521 (13%) of 4.19 lakh newborns were underweight.
  • By 2023-24, 51,608 (14%) of 3.74 lakh babies were below 2.5 kg.

Health experts warn that the rising numbers point to critical gaps in maternal care. Anaemia, hypertension, and preterm birth are identified as the strongest predictors. The report notes that in 2023-24 alone, 1.2 lakh pregnant women were anaemic and 26,968 babies were born preterm.

“Anaemia reduces oxygen supply to the foetus, restricting growth and raising the risk of preterm delivery,” explained Dr Leema, senior gynaecologist at Women and Children Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. “Hypertension damages blood vessels and limits nutrient flow to the baby. Early detection of both is essential.”

Former Alappuzha medical college gynaecologist Dr Lalithambica stressed the risks for preterm babies: “They face serious challenges, including neurological issues, gastrointestinal complications, and learning difficulties. Tackling lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes is vital.”

Both doctors emphasised the need for strengthened antenatal screening, nutritional counselling, and field-level interventions. With Asha workers already playing a key role in maternal monitoring, experts say Kerala must now step up surveillance to identify high-risk pregnancies early.