Decline in Infant Mortality Rate in the Tribal Villages of Attappady

Palakkad: The infant mortality rate in the tribal villages of Attappady has decreased sharply. New figures show that the LDF government's 10 years of systematic activities and welfare schemes are bearing fruit. This achievement in Attappady is noteworthy at a time when Kerala's health indicators are rising to a level that rivals those of Scandinavian countries.

There has been a significant decline in the number of infant deaths reported in Attappady over the past 10 years. While 16 infant deaths were reported in 2015, the number dropped to 5 in 2023 and to 7 in 2024. A total of 115 deaths have been reported over the past decade. Government interventions have helped reduce the annual mortality rate by more than half.

This development achievement also serves as a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's controversial remark comparing Attappady to Somalia during his visit to Kerala in 2016. The change is a result of the health and welfare activities carried out by the government among the Irula (26,521 people), Muduga (1,274 people), and Kurumba (2,251 people) communities of Attappady, which spans 750 square kilometers in the Nilgiri region of the Western Ghats.

The comprehensive schemes implemented by the government to protect pregnant women and newborns have been highly effective. Nutritious food has been provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadis. Continuous health awareness programs have been organised among the tribal communities. Safe deliveries have been ensured by providing well-equipped maternity centers.

It is a significant achievement of the LDF government that it has been able to provide health facilities to all remote areas, such as Padavayal, Agali, Kallamala, Kottathara, Pudur, and Sholayur.