Infant mortality rate increasing in Mizoram
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Aizawl, May 26 2014:
Mizoram has registered an increase in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) with 35 cases of children death during 2013-2014 which is higher than the number of children died during 2011 -2012 and 2012-2013, reports, Sunday leading paper 'Zalen' .
About 29 infants died during 2011 -2012 and 28 others during 2012-2013 .
State Programme Officer, (RCH) Dr.Lalthanga assumed that the actual number of children died during 2013-2014 might have been 30 against the record 35.Explaining about the cause of rise in IMR, Dr.Lalthanga said while the report of infant death has been received properly, many children death cases had been left unreported due to which IMR has increased considerably over the year as both the birth rate and death rate have to be compared.
According to Dr.Lalthanga Saiha, Lawngtlai, Mamit and Lunglei districts have registered the highest IMR in the state.
"The IMR is high especially among Chakma and Reang (Tuikuk) and to tackle the problem, stern measure should be taken up", he added.
Dr.Lalthanga further said that the initiative of RCH to reduce the IMR will soon produce good result.
He added that unless general public cooperate the government the endeavour will be less effective.
"Every child must give birth at the hospital.
In earlier times around 40% of children had given birth at home which is considerably reduced to 20% at present.
If this trend continues, the IMR would be brought down shortly", he added.