Kerala’s Progress in Reducing Child Mortality, SDG Indicator 3.2
Target 3.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seeks to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030. Specifically, it aims to reduce:
- Neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births
- Under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
Kerala has made remarkable strides toward achieving this target. The latest data from Sample Registration System (SRS) highlight Kerala’s strong performance in reducing child mortality.
Performance of Kerala on SDG Indicator 3.2
|
Indicator (as per NIF 3.2) |
Kerala |
Source & Period |
|
3.2.1 Under-five mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) |
8 |
SRS 2023 |
|
3.2.2 Neonatal mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) |
4 |
SRS 2023 |
Key Highlights
- The under-five mortality rate in Kerala is 8, significantly lower than the SDG target of 25, demonstrating Kerala’s strong child health system and early intervention strategies.
- The neonatal mortality rate stands at 4 per 1,000 live births, which is also well below the SDG benchmark of 12.
Kerala’s outstanding performance in reducing both under-five and neonatal mortality, showcases the success of its public health infrastructure and child care services. The state is well on track to achieve — and even exceed — SDG Target 3.2 well before the 2030 deadline. Sustained efforts to maintain immunization momentum, improve neonatal care, and ensure healthcare access across all districts will be vital in continuing this progress.
