The correct answer is: Haryana’s infant mortality rate (IMR) is lower than the national average.
Haryana’s IMR is 20.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is lower than the national average of 28.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the state’s relatively high level of economic development, its strong health infrastructure, and its focus on maternal and child health.
The state’s infant mortality rate has been declining in recent years. In 2005, the IMR was 37.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. This decline is likely due to the state’s efforts to improve maternal and child health, including the expansion of antenatal care services, the provision of free immunizations, and the promotion of breastfeeding.
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still challenges to reducing infant mortality in Haryana. One challenge is the state’s high rate of poverty. Poverty can lead to poor nutrition, inadequate access to healthcare, and a lack of awareness about health issues. Another challenge is the state’s large rural population. Rural areas often have poorer health infrastructure than urban areas, which can make it difficult for pregnant women and mothers to access the care they need.
The state government is working to address these challenges by expanding access to healthcare, improving nutrition, and raising awareness about health issues. The government is also working to improve the health infrastructure in rural areas. These efforts are likely to help further reduce infant mortality in Haryana.
The other options are:
- Higher than the national average. This is not the correct answer because Haryana’s IMR is lower than the national average.
- About the same as the national average. This is not the correct answer because Haryana’s IMR is lower than the national average.
- Varies greatly between districts. This is not the correct answer because Haryana’s IMR is relatively consistent across districts.