India's progress in reducing maternal deaths impressive: Unicef India chief

Unicef India representative Yasmin Ali Haque today praised the country's "impressive" progress in reducing maternal deaths.

India has registered a significant decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio, recording a 22-per cent reduction in such deaths since 2013, according to a Sample Registration System bulletin released earlier this week.

The MMR - number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births - has declined from 167 in 2011-2013 to 130 in 2014-2016.

"India has shown impressive progress in reducing maternal deaths, with nearly 1,000 fewer women now dying of pregnancy related complications each month in India as compared to 2013," Haque said.

She particularly praised Uttar Pradesh for topping the chart in reduction of maternal deaths.

"What is even more heartening to see is that the state of Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for the highest share of home deliveries in the country, has led the charts with a near 30 per cent reduction, which is even higher than the national average of 22 per cent."