India has the highest number of maternal (2010) and child (2009) deaths in the world suggesting a poor coverage in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) care services. This study assessed the coverage gap in MNCH care across districts in India using a robust aggregate Coverage Gap Index (CGI) developed by the 'Countdown 2008 Equity Analysis Group'. The north-south divide in MNCH care coverage gap is apparent. The results derived from this study emphasise the need for focused intervention in 210 districts which have a coverage gap of ≥50%.
Keywords: Child Health; Coverage gap; District; India; Maternal Health; Newborn.
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