Determinants of neonatal mortality in empowered action group states of India

Chhavi Paul, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Sanjay Kumar Mohanty, Harvard University

The most notable initiative to achieve health-related millennium development goal (reduction of child mortality and improving maternal health) in India was the launch of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Promotion of institutional delivery has been a key strategy to reduce maternal and neo-natal mortality (NNM) under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). This paper examines role of institutional deliveries in improving neonatal survival in EAG States. Data from Sample Registration System over 12 years and District Level Household Survey-3 is used. Bivariate regression and survival analyses are used. During last 10 years of NRHM, institutional delivery has increased significantly across states and socio-economic groups. Nevertheless, there is little sign of reduction in NNM in EAG states. The decline in NNM showed borderline variations which implies that sharp decline in infant mortality rate is due to decline in post neonatal mortality. Provision of Antenatal Care and JSY emerged as significant determinants of NNM.