Recap — Insights from India's Success in Reducing Maternal and Neonatal Mortality with Ramesh Banadakoppa Manjappa

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Published on April 10, 2025

On March 12, 2025, Ramesh Banadakoppa Manjappa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, delved into India’s progress in improving maternal and neonatal health. He explained that this research was part of the Exemplars in Global Health initiative funded by Gates Ventures, which examines countries that have achieved exceptional maternal and neonatal mortality reductions.

Ramesh stated that India was identified as one of seven exemplary countries due to its rapid decline in maternal mortality rate (from 327 to 103 per 100,000 live births) and neonatal mortality rate (from 43 to 23 per 1,000 live births) between the years 2000 and 2018. He described how the study used a mixed methods approach, integrating quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from government officials, non-governmental organizations and health experts.

To better understand India’s progress, Ramesh explained that the study categorized states into two clusters which are higher mortality states (including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha) and lower mortality states (including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu). While both clusters made progress, the lower mortality states were 12 to 16 years ahead in maternal and neonatal health transition.

Ramesh highlighted key drivers of success, including a decline in fertility rates, policy shifts and health system improvements. He noted that introducing Accredited Social Health Activists was critical in expanding antenatal care and institutional deliveries. He also discussed financial incentives such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana program, which encouraged facility based births.

Despite progress, Ramesh warned that inequities remain, particularly in higher mortality states. He emphasized the need to improve healthcare quality and address neonatal mortality in the critical 0 to 2 day window. He concluded that India's experience offers valuable lessons for other low and middle income countries aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

Connect With Ramesh Banadakoppa Manjappa.

Watch the seminar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY-HE5l-mFE

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