MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH STATUS OF SOUTH ASIAN POPULATION; WHAT IS THE PANACEA? A REVIEW

Dr. Raj Prakash*, Dr. Sujata Alawani and Dr. Shylaja

ABSTRACT

Around 24% of world’s population resides in South Asia and any progress in the global health status is directly dependent on the overall progress of the region. By keen focus on achieving Millennium Developmental Goal targets, some South Asian countries have made substantial improvement in health status of its population. But many countries of the region still strive hard to provide even the basic health needs. This disparity can be better visualized by examining and comparing the maternal and child health status of various countries of the region. Analysis of various reports from international agencies clearly underscore that the health and social status of a population can be improved even in low income nations. Sri Lanka, a developing nation in South Asia and Kerala, a small state in South India, set example for whole region. The lessons learned from these places may be replicated in other low performing countries. The health of a population is not determined by an isolated parameter. Many other interrelated factors are involved in determining health status of a country. A health status comparable to developed world can surely be achieved in this region of world by an integrated development of all these factors.

Keywords: Maternal Health; Child Health; South Asia.