This book offers a comprehensive study of the complexities of newborn survival in resource-poor regions, using the state of Bihar (India) as a case study. It provides important lessons for other low-performing countries, in similar socioeconomic contexts, where newborn survival is a major challenge. The volume opens with a brief account of the trends and regional variations in neonatal mortality. The empirical verification of socio-cultural, economic and health system barriers and the state interventions that affect newborn survival are subsequently explored. Innovative strategies are then proposed to scale up maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) services and improve neonatal health outcomes. Addressing this issue through appropriate policy action is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal-3, "Good Health and Well-being". This book will therefore appeal to public health scholars, professionals and policymakers interested in improving outcomes in low-income regions.

This book tracks the progress of maternal and child health (MNCH) — part of SDG 3 — in Empowered Action Group of states in India. It lays bare regional disparities and uncovers a range of issues relating to inequalities in access to MNCH services, mechanisms of poor nutrition, health expenditure and impoverishment, structural bottlenecks of health system that hinder effective implementation of programmes; best practices adopted for improving MNCH indicators and appropriate strategies required for more informed policy. The volume: Examines the changing features of health and nutrition of mothers, new-borns and children between pre and post National Rural Heath Mission (NRHM) Studies reproductive health and wellbeing of mother and children Explores linkages between food, nutrition and health Analyses causes of poor health and nutrition such as neonatal and infant deaths, childhood diarrhoea, malnutrition Probes into health expenditure, impoverishment and its bearing on access to maternal and child health care services Proposes strategic interventions to reduce maternal; neonatal and child mortality and improve nutritional status The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of public health, especially maternal and child health specialists, gender studies, development studies, and public policy.