Child health development after Alma Ata Declaration
Chandra, P.
Indian Pediatrics 38(10): 1129-1143
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 11677302 Document Number: 538919
This article evaluates the current status of child health development in India, several years after the adaptation of the Alma Ata Declaration in the Indian National Health Policy. Epidemiological data on morbidity/mortality in infants, children and adolescents, as well as the prevalence of maternal mortality, are presented. Still, common illnesses include vaccine-preventable diseases, diarrhoeal diseases, malnutrition and deficiency diseases. Urban and rural differences with respect to health status are cited. Based on these data, not much improvement is evident. Reasons for the failure of the "Health for All" movement are subsequently discussed. Finally, the role of the medical profession in promoting health development is emphasized.