Overview of NFHS-6 Report
The recently released National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 report presents a mixed progress card for India, highlighting both achievements and areas in need of improvement.
Key Findings
- Stunting Levels:
- Stunting levels in children under five have declined from 35.5% to 29.3%.
- This indicates modest progress in addressing prolonged sub-optimal food intake and other deprivations.
- Wasting Levels:
- There is no significant change in wasting levels, which assess if children have adequate weight for their height.
- Severe forms of wasting remain unchanged.
Contributing Factors to Child Nutrition Gains
- Improved access to healthcare and immunisation coverage.
- Increased maternal education.
- Enhanced housing, water, and sanitation conditions.
Challenges
- Feeding practices and access to quality diets remain weak, limiting further progress in child nutrition.
Health and Delivery Services
- Institutional Births:
- 90% of births occur in institutional settings.
- Public health facilities account for 58% of these births.
- Skilled Attendance:
- 91% of deliveries were attended by skilled medical personnel.
- Antenatal Care:
- 95% of mothers received at least one visit from health personnel during the antenatal period.
