LUCKNOW, May 16 -- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in Uttar Pradesh has declined from 167 (SRS 2018-20) to 151 (2019-21) per 100,000 live births, according to the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) (2019-21) released by the Registrar General of India recently. "The report, released on May 7, also highlights a two-point reduction in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NNMR) from 28 in 2020 to 26 in 2021, and a one-point decrease in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), from 38 in 2020 to 37 in 2021," said a press statement issued by state government on Thursday. Dr Pinky Jowel, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Uttar Pradesh, said, "Our entire team has worked diligently to ensure timely, accessible and quality health services. ASHA workers, ANMs and medical officers have significantly improved service outreach at the grassroots level. Our goal remains clear-no mother should lose her life while giving birth." Additionally, the state's sex ratio improved from 908 in 2020 to 912 in 2021. SRS report, published biennially, had been delayed due to the Covid pandemic. "The 'first 1000 days' strategy-focusing on care from conception to a child's second birthday-has been instrumental in reducing MMR, NNMR and IMR," said Dr Jowel. Key interventions include early pregnancy registration, conducting at least four antenatal check-ups (ANC) and effectively managing high-risk pregnancies....