Context: The Union Minister of State for Health has virtually launched the Paalan 1000 National Campaign and Parenting App to reduce child mortality.

• According to the Union Minister of State for Health, India has taken significant strides in reducing child mortality and child mortality had dipped to 35 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019 as compared to 45 per 1,000 live births in 2014.

What is the Paalan 1000 Campaign?

• Paalan 1000 campaign focuses on the cognitive development of children in the first two years of their life. 

• Features: The app will provide practical advice to caregivers on what they can do in their everyday routine and will help clear doubts.

• The app combines coaching for parents, families and other caregivers with services designed to meet the family’s basic needs. 

• Significance: The campaign is aligned with the mission of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram(RBSK) which emphasizes responsive care and focused interventions during the first 1,000 days of a child.