In a revealing contrast to societal preferences, the latest infant mortality data from Gujarat indicates that newborn girls demonstrate greater resilience than boys. The figures, discussed at a recent government 'chintan shibir', show a lower mortality rate among female infants, even as deep-rooted son preference continues to endanger girls through abandonment and sex-selective practices.
The Numbers Tell a Story of Survival
Official statistics present a compelling narrative. Out of 6.25 lakh boys born in the state, 6,284 died due to various health complications. In comparison, among 5.77 lakh girls born, the number of deaths stood at 4,692. This data underscores a biological survival advantage for girls in the early stages of life, a trend observed globally but highlighted against the backdrop of a society still grappling with gender bias.
The measurement of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) itself shows significant variation depending on the system used. The Sample Registration System (SRS) places Gujarat's IMR at 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, the Civil Registration System (CRS) reports a much lower figure of 10, and the state's own TeCHO+ app records an even lower number of nine per 1,000 live births. Despite these discrepancies, the overall trend is positive: Gujarat has steadily reduced its IMR from 54 in 2005 to 20 in 2023.
Low Birth Weight Emerges as Primary Killer
A deeper dive into the causes of infant deaths reveals a critical concern. Experts point out that low birth weight is a major factor, implicated in nearly 66% of cases. This means approximately two out of every three infant deaths involved babies weighing 1 kg or less at birth.
The breakdown of causes shows a clear pattern based on the infant's age. For deaths occurring within the first week of life, prematurity and low birth weight caused 35% of fatalities. This was followed by sepsis (12-15%), birth asphyxia (8-10%), and congenital defects (4-6%). For infants aged between 7 to 30 days, pneumonia was responsible for 25-30% of deaths.
Geographical Disparities in Healthcare Outcomes
The data also uncovers stark regional contrasts within Gujarat. Urban areas recorded higher early neonatal deaths, a phenomenon often attributed to the concentration of high-risk deliveries in specialized hospitals. However, these areas showed stronger survival rates after the initial period, likely due to higher rates of institutional deliveries and better access to advanced care.
In contrast, rural and tribal regions reported more deaths linked to gaps in intrapartum and postnatal care. Coastal areas faced a different set of challenges, struggling primarily with nutritional deficiencies and elevated infection rates among newborns and mothers.
While progress is evident, Gujarat still trails behind better-performing states like Kerala (IMR of 5), and Delhi and Maharashtra (both at 14). A public health official from Gandhinagar emphasized the multifaceted nature of the issue, stating, "IMR is a multi-pronged issue, and care must be taken right from the pregnant women to ensure healthy birth weight for the child and proper nutrition. After-birth care is as important."
The data ultimately presents a dual reality: the innate biological strength of girl children, and the persistent, man-made challenges of healthcare access, nutrition, and deep-seated gender discrimination that the state must continue to address.
