WHO said that the strong commitment has also helped improve access to immunisation, antenatal care services and skilled birth attendance in the most vulnerable populations.
The statement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing Global 'Call to Action' Summit 2015 today, said that the country has eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus much before the target date set for December this year and described the achievement as a "major milestone.
"India has achieved a momentous public health feat - the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. MNT elimination demonstrates India's strong commitment and leadership that helped improve access to immunisation.
MNTE has been reduced to less than one case per 1,000 live births in all 675 districts of India and WHO has validated this achievement adding India to the list of countries that have successfully battled this killer disease, she said.
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"This is a huge achievement for India which until a few decades ago reported 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 neonatal tetanus cases annually," she said.
Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) have been among the most common lethal consequences of unclean deliveries and umbilical cord care practices. When tetanus develops, mortality rates are extremely high, especially when appropriate medical care is not available.