India and Pakistan are two neighboring countries that have a long history of rivalry and tension. While there are many issues that divide these two nations, one of the most significant and heartbreaking is infant mortality.
Infant mortality rate (IMR) is a crucial indicator of a country's healthcare system and the overall wellbeing of its population. IMR refers to the no(Number) of deaths of infants under 1 year of age per 1,000(thousands) live births. In both India and Pakistan, IMR is a major concern, and both countries have been making efforts to reduce it.
India has made significant strides in improving its IMR in recent years. According to the World Bank, India's IMR was 28 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019, a significant improvement from 66 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000. However, India still has a long way to go to reach its target of reducing IMR to 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025.
On the other hand, Pakistan's IMR is higher than India's. According to the World Bank, Pakistan's IMR was 53 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019, which is more than double India's IMR. Pakistan's government has recognized the need to improve its healthcare system and has launched several initiatives to reduce IMR, but progress has been slow.
There are several factors that contribute to infant mortality in both countries. Inadequate access to healthcare, lack of education, poverty, and malnutrition are some of the primary factors. In both India and Pakistan, a significant number of births occur at home, without any medical assistance, which increases the risk of complications and death.
India has made progress in addressing some of these factors. The government has launched several initiatives, such as the National Health Mission and the Janani Suraksha Yojana, which aim to improve maternal and child health. Additionally, the government has increased its healthcare spending and launched several programs to improve access to healthcare in rural areas.
Pakistan has also launched several initiatives to improve maternal and child health, such as the Lady Health Worker Program and the National Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Program. However, progress has been slow due to several factors, such as political instability, lack of funding, and inadequate infrastructure.
In conclusion, India has made significant progress in reducing its infant mortality rate in recent years, while Pakistan's progress has been slow. Both countries face several challenges in improving maternal and child health, such as inadequate access to healthcare, poverty, and malnutrition. However, India's efforts to improve its healthcare system and reduce IMR can serve as an inspiration for Pakistan, and both countries can work together to address this critical issue. Ultimately, reducing infant mortality should be a shared goal of both India and Pakistan, as it is a reflection of the overall wellbeing of their populations.
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