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COVID-19 and mortality among infants: Evidence from India

Author

Listed:
  • Asker, Erdal
  • Dhongde, Shatakshee
  • Shonchoy, Abu S.

Abstract

We present the first survey-based evidence on infant mortality in a developing country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing high-quality, nationally representative data from India, our analyses document a significant rise in mortality rates among infants during a six month period in 2020 covering the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown. The difference-in-differences estimates show that mortality among infants at ages 1, 3, and 6 months increased by about 9, 13, and 16 deaths per 1000 births, corresponding to an increase of 30, 42, and 44 percent, respectively. Since COVID-19 had minimal direct impact on infant mortality, our estimates likely capture some of the indirect effects on infant mortality through income shocks, reduced healthcare access, and behavioral changes such as avoidance of hospitals for maternal care during this period.

Suggested Citation

  • Asker, Erdal & Dhongde, Shatakshee & Shonchoy, Abu S., 2025. "COVID-19 and mortality among infants: Evidence from India," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:101:y:2025:i:c:s0167629625000256
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.102991
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; India; Infant mortality; Lockdown; Pre-natal care; Child vac- cinations; Hospital births;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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