The challenge of improving neonatal mortality in India: Key to global achievement of MDG 4

Abstract

In Millennium Development Goal four (MDG4), national leaders committed to reduce 1990 levels of child mortality in their countries by two-thirds by 2015. Between 1990 and 2009, child mortality has reduced globally from 89 to 60 per 1000 live births [1]; however, this trajectory is not sufficient to achieve MDG4. India has the highest number of births in the world and also accounts for over 20% of all child deaths. Achieving MDG4 globally depends on the progress and success in India, more than in any other single nation [2].