Subject: Social Justice

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to health represented a global commitment to improve public health outcomes by 2015, with India making significant strides through targeted interventions and policy measures.

Health-Related MDGs

• MDG 4 - Reduce Child Mortality:

  • Target to reduce Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) to 42 per 1000 live births by 2015.
  • India achieved U5MR of 45 per 1000 live births by 2014, showing substantial progress.
  • Implementation of Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) reached over 80% coverage.

• MDG 5 - Improve Maternal Health:

  • Aimed to reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 139 per 100,000 live births.
  • India achieved MMR of 167 per 100,000 live births by 2011-13.
  • Success through Janani Suraksha Yojana and ASHA workers initiatives.

• MDG 6 - Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases:

  • Implementation of National AIDS Control Programme.
  • National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for malaria prevention.

Government Actions and Success

• Nutritional Interventions:

  • Significant reduction in underweight children from NFHS-1 (52%) to NFHS-3 (40.4%).
  • Success through Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

• Healthcare Infrastructure:

  • National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) strengthened primary healthcare delivery.
  • Establishment of Sub-Centers and Primary Health Centers in rural areas.

• Multisectoral Approach:

  • Integration of family planning with maternal health services.
  • Focus on women's education and empowerment through Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Despite falling short of some targets, India's progress in health-related MDGs laid a strong foundation for the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The success of programs like Mission Indradhanush and Ayushman Bharat continues to build on these achievements, working towards universal health coverage and improved health outcomes for all.