Modi govt’s Swachh Bharat Mission saved 70,000 infant lives annually: Report

A recent study by a US-based institute has determined that the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Narendra Modi government in India has helped in preventing around 60,000-70,000 infant deaths every year. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, aimedto establish a link between increased access to toilets and the number of infant deaths between 2000 and 2020.

The International Food Policy Research Institute concluded by analysing data from nationally representative surveys covering 35 states/Union territories and more than 600 districts over 20 years.

PM Modi was quick to hail the report, saying he was “happy” that India had taken a lead in this.

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"Happy to see research highlighting the impact of efforts like the Swachh Bharat Mission. Access to proper toilets plays a crucial role in reducing infant and child mortality. Clean, safe sanitation has become a game-changer for public health. And, I am glad India has taken the lead in this," the Indian PM stated.

More about the study

The study revealed that a 10 per cent improvement in toilet access at a district level led to a 0.9 per cent reduction in infant deaths.

"In absolute numbers, this coefficient would scale to an estimated 60,000-70,000 infant lives annually," the authors noted.

“The findings are in line with evidence from global and South Asian contexts, with multiple studies, that analysed population-level data collected via surveys, indicated that improved sanitation can potentially cut child mortality rates by 5-30 per cent,” the report added.

The report added that improved access to toilets also helped increase women’s safety, and financial savings as a result of reduced medical expenses and improved quality of life.

"Our findings add to the growing body of evidence linking national sanitation campaigns to improved child health outcomes and emphasises the need for similar interventions in other low- and middle-income countries," the authors noted.

(With inputs from agencies)