India's population has reached an estimated 144 crore (1.44 billion), according to a recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report. Despite progress in health care, the report reveals significant inequalities persist, particularly for marginalized communities.
The UNFPA report highlights that nearly a quarter of India's population is under 14 years old, and the country's population is projected to double in 77 years. India currently has the world's largest population, surpassing China.
While India has made strides in reducing maternal deaths, the report emphasizes stark differences in maternal death risk across regions and socioeconomic groups. Disadvantaged groups, such as Dalit women, face limited access to antenatal care and increased risks of gender-based violence.
The report further notes that women with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience gender-based violence. Overall, access to essential sexual and reproductive health services remains unequal, disproportionately impacting those already marginalized by factors like disability, migrant status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and caste.
The UNFPA stresses that global humanitarian crises and the impacts of climate change exacerbate these health disparities. While acknowledging progress, the report calls for urgent and sustained investment to address these inequalities and ensure access to essential health services for all.
