Child mortality among scheduled tribes almost double than national average

NEW DELHI: Child mortality rate among the scheduled tribes is "almost double" than the national average and their infant mortality rate is also higher than others, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said as per the National Family Health Survey data of 2005-06, child mortality rate among STs is 35.8, which is almost double than the national average of 18.4.

He said infant mortality rate among the STs is 62.1, which is higher than the national average of 57.

Oram said the higher mortality rate appears to be mainly due to low childhood immunisation amongst the STs, including particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs).

He said the Tribal Affairs Ministry has taken up the issue with the Health Ministry and advised it to undertake "focussed" immunisation drives in the tribal areas so that the child mortality rate among the STs, including PVTGs is reduced.

He said there has been decline in population of PVTGs of Kolam ( Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Koraga (Karnataka), Cholanaikayan (Kerala), Mal Paharia (Bihar), Kota ( Tamil Nadu), Birhor (Odisha) and Shompen (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).

The reasons for the decline, the ministers said, have not been ascertained.