By: D.K Choudhary
National Family Health Survey-4 Shows Improved Sex Ratio, Decline In Infant Mortality Rate in India
i. As per the latest health survey by the government, India’s health index has shown a notable improvement over the last decade including an improvement in sex ratio at birth and a decline in infant mortality rate.
ii. The latest National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) conducted for year 2015-16 was unveiled by Health Ministry in New Delhi.
iii. As per the survey report, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) saw a decline from 57 to 41 per 1,000 live births between NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4
iv. As per the survey, the sex ratio at birth (number of females per 1,000 males) improved from 914 to 919 at the national level over the last decade with the highest in Kerala (1,047), followed by Meghalaya (1,009) and Chhattisgarh (977).
v. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined to 2.2 children per woman from 2.7 in NFHS-3. This rate shows that the country is moving closer to target level of 2.1.
vi. The report stated that the Children within the age of 12-23 months have been fully immunized (BCG, measles and 3 doses each of polio).
Narendra Singh Tomar Launches Swachh Shakti Saptah in Haryana
i. The Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched the week long Swachh Shakti Saptah at national level on March 1, 2017 in Gurugram, Haryana to highlight the role of women in Swachh Bharat Mission and to recognize their leadership.
ii. The week-long programme would be held from March 1-March 8, 2017.
iii. Over 1,000 women sarpanches of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and all women 
sarpanches of Gurugram division participated in the event.
iv. The inauguration was marked by launch of a sanitation related exhibition and a series of folk cultural presentation relating to women and Swachhta.
v. Besides, an exhibition was also organised at the venue to educate women participants about benefits of cashless transactions.
vi. An Aadhaar Enrolment machine was placed in one of the stalls for women who were still not enrolled.
vii. The programmme would have nationwide events including honouring women champions, women sarpanches, ASHA workers, school teachers, young students and senior citizens.
viii. PM Narendra Modi will take part in closing ceremony of the week long programme on 8th of March at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
