India health sector analysis

This report outlines the current status of infant and child health in India and of related health factors, reviews historical changes in these variables, and discusses the causes of infant and child mortality, the organization of health services, the GOI"s health goals, and the present status of government and private services, as well as USAID"s involvement in the health sector. To reduce infant and child mortality as rapidly as possible, the GOI should undertake a small-scale project to improve immunization acceptance (e.g., tetanus toxoid, DPT, and measles), mothers" and children"s nutrition, the acceptance of child spacing, and the use of oral rehydration, especially homemade solutions. Inservice training, improvements in management information and drug supply systems, and mass health education efforts should all focus on this small project, which should be initiated in one or two states in areas in which USAID/I is already involved. Other priorities include information systems for malaria control, strengthening epidemiological expertise through the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, and improving private sector involvement through vaccine manufacture and private volunteer organizations.