Swachh Bharat Mission: Key to Reducing Infant Mortality, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the vital role of proper sanitation in lowering infant and child mortality rates. He highlighted the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) success in this area, citing research showcasing its positive impact on public health.

Swachh Bharat Mission: A Public Health Milestone

On Thursday, PM Modi took to the microblogging platform X.com to describe the Swachh Bharat Mission as a “game-changer” for public health in India. “I am pleased to see research revealing the impact of efforts like the Swachh Bharat Mission. Access to proper toilets plays a key role in reducing infant and child mortality,” he said. The Prime Minister also underscored India’s leadership in promoting clean, safe sanitation practices.

Research Highlights Benefits of Toilets in Reducing Mortality

PM Modi shared a study from the scientific journal Nature titled “Construction of Toilets Under Swachh Bharat Mission and Infant Mortality in India.” This research shows a significant rise in toilet construction across the country following the 2014 launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission. It also reveals a sharp decline in infant and child mortality rates in the post-SBM years compared to the pre-SBM years.

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Infant Deaths Reduced by 70,000 Annually

The report from *Nature* estimates that the widespread availability of toilets under the SBM has prevented approximately 60,000 to 70,000 infant deaths each year.

A Milestone Since 2014

Launched on 2 October 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to eliminate open defecation and improve waste management across India. Since its inception, millions of toilets have been constructed, leading to significant improvements in hygiene and health across the country.