Maternal and child immunization on infant survival in Kerala, India.

Abstract

The authors examine the impact of maternal and child health programs on the reduction of infant mortality in the state of Kerala, India. "To assess the maternal and child health program, a survey was carried out in Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala under the auspices of the Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum. The analysis indicates that the decline in the 1980s is [due to] the Universal Immunization program. The program gave ante-natal care and immunization and above all, brought the pregnant women closer to the health system."