It is clear that with the current rate of progress India is likely to miss the MDG 4 (Goal 4) on child mortality. While the U5MR fell by about 41 per cent between 1990 and 2008, the IMR declined by 34 per cent during the corresponding period. This was mainly due to the fact that the NNMR, which contributes to two thirds of infant deaths, did not fall appreciably. The early neonatal mortality (within a week) which contributes to about 50 per cent of total infant deaths declined by only 27 per cent during the corresponding While India has made significant gains in child survival in the age-group 1-4 years since 1990.
