LUCKNOW, Aug. 24 -- A steady decline in neonatal mortality has been recorded in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years, according to a press statement issued by the state government on Sunday.

The statement noted that the number of "zero-dose" children -- those who do not receive any vaccine in their first year of life -- has also reduced consistently. Such children are more vulnerable to diseases like diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, and polio.

Government data shows that in 2022-23, the state had 2.36 lakh zero-dose children, which dropped to 1.73 lakh in 2023-24 and further declined to 1.29 lakh in 2024-25.

"The double-engine government is making special efforts to deliver vaccination services to all children, with focu...