India 4th worst place to be a mother
14 May 2012 2:41 AM GMT
In a recent report released by Save the Children, the State of the World’s Mothers, a global independent organisation, data says that India is the fourth worst place in the world to be a mother. In fact, India has slipped one rank down to 76 out of the 80 less developed countries, compared to last year.
Norway ranks at the top spot this year and Niger has been voted the worst country in the world to be a mother. The United States comes in at the 25 spot among the 43 developed countries. Iceland grabbed the second spot and Sweden finishes at third.
The 13th annual Mothers' Index analyses health, education and economic conditions for women and children in 165 countries.
'Save the children believes that a significant change is possible if there is a health worker to help every mother and child. We know that health workers play a crucial role in saving the lives of mothers and children. There is evidence to show that children are five times more likely to survive if they have a health worker near them,' said Thomas Chandy, CEO Save the Children India.
Prasanta Kumar Dash, Delhi State Programme Manager for Save the Children said, 'Delhi has shown considerable improvement in tackling infant mortality which presently stands at 30 per 1,000 live births. However, the figures for exclusive breastfeeding are still quite low.'
According to the report, nearly one million lives could be saved by breastfeeding alone. The report also reveals that children who are breastfed are six times more likely to survive than those who are not.
Dikshit said, 'Health workers are that significant link between community and facilities. Because health workers live in the community, they play a significant role in not just spreading information but crucial care and counsel to mothers. Our government will provide all possible help to encourage and support our front line health workers to deliver their services better.'
Norway ranks at the top spot this year and Niger has been voted the worst country in the world to be a mother. The United States comes in at the 25 spot among the 43 developed countries. Iceland grabbed the second spot and Sweden finishes at third.
The 13th annual Mothers' Index analyses health, education and economic conditions for women and children in 165 countries.
'Save the children believes that a significant change is possible if there is a health worker to help every mother and child. We know that health workers play a crucial role in saving the lives of mothers and children. There is evidence to show that children are five times more likely to survive if they have a health worker near them,' said Thomas Chandy, CEO Save the Children India.
Prasanta Kumar Dash, Delhi State Programme Manager for Save the Children said, 'Delhi has shown considerable improvement in tackling infant mortality which presently stands at 30 per 1,000 live births. However, the figures for exclusive breastfeeding are still quite low.'
According to the report, nearly one million lives could be saved by breastfeeding alone. The report also reveals that children who are breastfed are six times more likely to survive than those who are not.
Dikshit said, 'Health workers are that significant link between community and facilities. Because health workers live in the community, they play a significant role in not just spreading information but crucial care and counsel to mothers. Our government will provide all possible help to encourage and support our front line health workers to deliver their services better.'
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