India Makes Significant Progress in Child Health, Says Dr Vasant Khalatkar

National IAP President Dr Vasant Khalatkar highlighted India's achievements in child health during an international conference in Mexico. The country has shown notable improvements in national immunization efforts, reduction in child mortality, and policies to strengthen pediatric care in rural areas. Dr Khalatkar also discussed the importance of introducing research in medical curriculum and mentioned the successful trial of Covaxin, a COVID vaccine for children.

Key Takeaways:

Dr Vasant Khalatkar, National President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), spoke about India's progress in child health at the 13th International Conference in Mexico.
The country has made significant strides in national immunization efforts, reduction in child mortality, and policies to strengthen pediatric care in rural areas.
Dr Khalatkar emphasized the need for more medical students and practitioners to get involved in research, citing ample study subjects.
The trial of Covaxin, a COVID vaccine for children, conducted in Nagpur was mentioned as a proud achievement by Dr Khalatkar, who was the Principle Investigator for the study.
Dr Pragati Khalatkar, President of the Menopause Society, Nagpur, highlighted maternal health initiatives in India, including safe motherhood, quality prenatal care, and enhanced health services for women during pregnancy and childbirth.
The maternal mortality rate in India has decreased from 407 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 103 in 2020, marking a 74% reduction over two decades.
The infant mortality rate in India has decreased from 66.7 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 27.0 in 2020, indicating significant improvement in neonatal care.
The under-5 mortality rate in India has dropped from 92.7 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 32.6 in 2020, showcasing substantial progress in child health outcomes.
In Maharashtra, the infant mortality rate has decreased from 19 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 16 in 2022.
The under-5 mortality rate in Maharashtra has also decreased from approximately 45 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 16 in 2022.

Statistics:

India's maternal mortality rate decreased from 407 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 103 in 2020 (Source: Maternal and Child Health Statistics).
India's infant mortality rate decreased from 66.7 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 27.0 in 2020 (Source: Maternal and Child Health Statistics).
India's under-5 mortality rate decreased from 92.7 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 32.6 in 2020 (Source: Maternal and Child Health Statistics).
Maharashtra's infant mortality rate decreased from 19 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 16 in 2022 (Source: Maternal and Child Health Statistics).
Maharashtra's under-5 mortality rate decreased from approximately 45 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 16 in 2022 (Source: Maternal and Child Health Statistics).

Sources:

"Vaccination in special situations" discussion at the 13th International Conference in Mexico (Source: Byline of the article).
Maternal and Child Health Statistics (Source: SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS section of the article).