## Definition of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) **Key Point:** IMR is expressed as the number of deaths of infants (aged 0–11 months) per 1,000 live births in a given year and population. ### Standard Demographic Definition IMR is one of the most important indicators of child health and socioeconomic development of a country. It reflects: - Quality of maternal and child health services - Nutritional status of the population - Sanitation and hygiene practices - Access to healthcare ### India's IMR Context - Current IMR in India: approximately 28–30 per 1,000 live births (varies by state) - Target under SDG: < 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030 - States with lowest IMR: Kerala (~10), Goa (~11) - States with highest IMR: Uttar Pradesh (~50), Bihar (~43) **High-Yield:** The denominator is always **1,000 live births**, not 100 or 10,000. This is the international standard used by WHO, UNICEF, and all vital statistics reporting. ### Components of IMR IMR includes: 1. **Neonatal mortality** (0–27 days): ~60–65% of IMR 2. **Post-neonatal mortality** (28 days–11 months): ~35–40% of IMR
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