Infant Deaths, MDG Goal (4) and Population Policy Achievements in India: Role of Fathers

Abstract

Reducing infant deaths is the prime objective of the Government of India to meet commitment of MDG goal (4). This paper aims at analyzing levels of fatherhood and infant deaths in states with and without replacement levels of fertility. It also identifies the factors expediting the realization of MDG goal (4) and National Health Policy (2002) achievements through realization of fatherhood across North and South regions in India. Socio-economic and demographic differentials at various levels of fatherhood and its' relationship to infant deaths have been analyzed using NFHS-3(2005-06) data. Using Logistic regression, the socio-economic and demographic factors explaining various components of fatherhood in two different regions have been analyzed. The  role of fathers has been found very critical in reducing infant deaths and assert that increasing the role of father in child care helps accelerate the attainment of  MDG Goal (4) faster and also helps in achieving the goals of Population Policy.