With an estimated population of 1.2 billion, India is second populous country in the world. In last 2 decades, India performed well in economic growth. However, substantial performance is not seen regarding achieving MDG 4 and 5. Child & maternal mortality rates are still at unacceptable levels. The Under 5 mortality rate is 72 per 1000 live births (2007) and maternal mortality is 450 per 100000 live births (2005).
India was the first country in the world in responding to the health initiatives by launching family planning program.
