Listen to Story India has reduced its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 70% between 2000 and 2020. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recognised the country’s success as this feat brings India closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of an MMR below 70 before 2030. Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, felicitated Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava by presenting a plaque and certificate and underlined UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to partnering with India toward women’s health and well-being.
Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, felicitated Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava by presenting a plaque and certificate. (Photo: X/Ministry of Health) What is the Maternal Mortality Ratio? Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a crucial health indicator that measures the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births. It reflects the risk of death a mother faces during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of the delivery.
A lower MMR is a sign of improved maternal health care and reflects the availability and quality of health services for women. The Health ministry's initiatives, such as the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana (SUMAN), which ensures respectful maternity care, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), which focuses on providing comprehensive antenatal care to pregnant women, have helped lower the ratio. INDIA'S MATERNAL MORTALITY RATIO PROGRESS According to a UN report rele.