The national capital recorded 9,211 deaths due to respiratory diseases in 2024, marking an increase from 8,801 deaths in 2023, according to the latest official data released by the Delhi government. The figures reflect a continuing upward trend in respiratory-related fatalities over the past few years.
Respiratory diseases commonly include asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer and tuberculosis, all of which affect breathing and lung function. Health experts have repeatedly flagged air quality, infections and lifestyle factors as contributors to the rising burden of such illnesses in Delhi.
Circulatory Diseases Top Cause of Death
The data shows that circulatory diseases emerged as the leading cause of death in 2024, accounting for 21,262 fatalities, a sharp rise from 15,714 deaths in 2023. These conditions include blocked arteries, strokes and heart failure, highlighting growing cardiovascular health concerns in the city.
The second most common cause of death was infectious and parasitic diseases, which led to 16,060 deaths in 2024. These illnesses, often caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, typically spread through contaminated food and water. Notably, deaths from infectious and parasitic diseases declined significantly from 20,781 in 2023.
Overall Deaths and Demographics
Delhi recorded a total of 1,39,480 deaths in 2024, up from 1,32,391 deaths the previous year. Of these, 85,391 were males, 54,051 were females, and 38 deaths were recorded under other genders. The data further shows that 90,883 deaths were medically certified.
The overall death rate in the capital increased from 6.16 per 1,000 persons in 2023 to 6.37 in 2024, indicating a gradual rise in mortality.
Infant Mortality Shows Improvement
Amid the concerning trends, Delhi registered a slight improvement in its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). The IMR declined to 22.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, compared to 23.61 in 2023. IMR measures deaths of children below one year of age and is a key indicator of healthcare access and maternal-child health.
Birth Rate Declines
The data also shows a fall in the number of births in the city. A total of 3,06,459 live births were recorded in 2024 — 8,628 fewer than in the previous year. The birth rate declined to 14 per 1,000 persons, down from 14.66 in 2023.
Population Projection and Birth Registration
Delhi’s population is projected to rise to 2.65 crore by 2036, according to government estimates. Encouragingly, the data indicates that 99.1 per cent of children under five years of age have a registered birth certificate, reflecting improved coverage of civil registration systems.