Dismal scenario

health care facilities in India have declined considerably over the years, according to the Human Development Report 2001 of the United Nations . The report shows that the infant mortality rate in the country is as high as 70 per 1,000 births. Only 55 per cent children are immunised against measles and 72 per cent against tuberculosis. Same is the state of immunisation programmes for many other diseases. Due to this, there have been sporadic outbreaks of many diseases, especially diphtheria and measles. An extensive national family health survey reveals that over 70 per cent children in most states suffer from anaemia, affecting their overall growth and development. Outside Africa, India is home to the largest number of people affected with aids . At least 0.70 per cent of the country's adult population is estimated to be suffering from the disease.