Healthy outcomes: Address key gaps to make infant survival universal

India's infant mortality rate hits a record low, but stark regional gaps in nutrition, immunisation, and newborn care threaten to slow public health gains

India has reached an important milestone in public health. The latest Sample Registration System (2023) data reveals that the country’s infant mortality rate (IMR) has dropped to 25 per 1,000 live births — the lowest ever and a steep fall from 129 in 1971. This reflects decades of steady progress in immunisation, maternal- and child-health programmes, and overall improvement in sanitation and nutrition. States like Kerala (5) and Manipur (3) showcase how strong primary health care and decentralised planning can deliver outcomes comparable with advanced economies. Yet, progress remains patchy. Larger states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh