The correct answer is: Lower.
Gujarat’s infant mortality rate (IMR) is 21.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is lower than the national average of 28.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. This means that for every 1,000 babies born in Gujarat, 21.8 of them will die before their first birthday. This is a significant improvement from the IMR in 1990, which was 74.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline in Gujarat’s IMR. These include improvements in access to healthcare, better nutrition, and a reduction in poverty. The government of Gujarat has also made a number of investments in maternal and child health, including the construction of new hospitals and clinics, the training of healthcare workers, and the provision of free healthcare to pregnant women and children.
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to further reduce Gujarat’s IMR. These include the need to improve access to healthcare in rural areas, the need to address the issue of malnutrition, and the need to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.
The other options are:
- Higher: This is incorrect because Gujarat’s IMR is lower than the national average.
- About the same: This is incorrect because Gujarat’s IMR is lower than the national average.
- Varies greatly by region: This is incorrect because Gujarat’s IMR is relatively consistent across the state.