Which of the Indian State had the lowest Infant Mortality Rate (IMR, per 1000 births) according to NFHS-5 (2019-21) ?

Goa
Bihar
Kerala
Sikkim

The correct answer is (c) Kerala.

Kerala has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India, with an IMR of 6.6 per 1000 births according to NFHS-5 (2019-21). This is significantly lower than the national average of 28.5 per 1000 births.

There are a number of factors that contribute to Kerala’s low IMR. These include:

  • A high level of female literacy and education: 94% of women in Kerala are literate, compared to the national average of 66%. This means that women in Kerala are more likely to be aware of the importance of good health care and nutrition for their children.
  • A strong public health system: Kerala has a well-developed public health system that provides free or low-cost health care to all citizens. This includes antenatal care, postnatal care, and immunizations.
  • A focus on preventive care: The government of Kerala has a strong focus on preventive care, such as promoting breastfeeding and immunization. This has helped to reduce the incidence of diseases that can cause infant mortality, such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
  • A relatively affluent population: Kerala has a relatively high per capita income, which means that families are more likely to be able to afford good health care for their children.

Kerala’s low IMR is a testament to the state’s commitment to providing quality health care to all its citizens.