## Distinguishing MMR from IMR **Key Point:** MMR and IMR are fundamentally different denominators and reflect different population targets under RCH. ### Definition and Denominator | Indicator | Definition | Denominator | Age Group | |-----------|-----------|-------------|----------| | **MMR** | Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births | 100,000 LB | Reproductive age women (15–49 years) | | **IMR** | Infant deaths per 1,000 live births | 1,000 LB | Children < 1 year | **High-Yield:** The denominator difference (100,000 vs. 1,000) is the **single best discriminator**. This reflects the lower frequency of maternal deaths relative to infant deaths in the population. ### What Each Measures - **MMR** captures maternal mortality from pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum causes (direct and indirect obstetric deaths). - **IMR** captures all-cause infant mortality (infections, congenital anomalies, prematurity, accidents, etc.). ### RCH Program Context **Clinical Pearl:** India's RCH program tracks both indicators as complementary measures of reproductive and child health. MMR is a **Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator** with a target of < 70 per 100,000 LB by 2030. **Mnemonic:** **MMR = 100K, IMR = 1K** — remember the zero difference. [cite:Park 26e Ch 3]
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