Gaps in infant and child mortality among social groups and its linkages with institutional delivery and child immunization using census and National Family Health Survey (2015-16)

Variation in Tribe-Specific Mortality Indicators of Child Health in India: Emphasizing Tribe-Specific Action Plan

“…Socio-cultural, economic and environmental factors varying across states and social groups play a critical role in uneven distribution of child mortality and life expectancy between tribal and non-tribal populations and even within tribal VOLUME 58 __ JANUARY 15, 2021 CORRESPONDENCE population. Although various government programs and policies have been implemented to curb infant and childhood mortality and improve the maternal and child health (MCH) status, but these do not exhibit uniform improvement across all sections of society [2]. The investigators of the present study used Census 2011 data, which is about a decade old, and may not characterize currently prevailing conditions in tribal communities.…”

“…Timely diagnosis is crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality of ST in children, and since ST PCR is not freely available everywhere, earliest laboratory confirmation is often done by serology by IgM ELSIA after 5-7 days of fever onset [2]. While IgM ELISA serology testing to diagnose ST is affordable, easy-to-use, with reasonable diagnostic accuracy for screening and diagnostic purposes, regional cut-offs should be identified and maintained by regional health authorities and should be validated from time to time in order to prevent misdiagnosis.…”

Development of an mHealth Behavior Change Communication Strategy

“…Despite efforts by the government to reduce infant and child mortality, Uttar Pradesh is one of the states with the largest immunization inequities, with coverage lower among disadvantaged groups such as the poorest, less educated parents, the lower social castes and minority religions). A recent study found that 55.8% scheduled castes children and 63.2% scheduled tribes (the most downtrodden and vulnerable ethnic groups in Indian society) were fully immunized, while in Uttar Pradesh, this percentage is lower for 34.1% scheduled castes children and 52.1%, scheduled tribes [36]. Studies highlight the contribution of demand side factors to incomplete immunization [10,15].…”