The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled the results of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6, showcasing advancements in health, nutrition, and social development indicators due to sustained policy efforts and flagship programs. Conducted during 2023-24 in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in Mumbai, the survey encompassed around 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts, offering crucial insights into population, health, nutrition, and family welfare metrics for evidence-based planning up to the district level.
Key observations from NFHS-5 (2019-21) to NFHS-6 (2023-24) revealed significant enhancements in safe motherhood, institutional deliveries, and overall maternal and child healthcare services. Noteworthy improvements were noted in maternal healthcare, with a rise in pregnant women receiving antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and postnatal care for newborns by skilled health personnel, indicating progress towards universal coverage.
Maternal nutrition indicators displayed notable progress, with an increase in mothers consuming iron folic acid supplements during pregnancy, reflecting improved access to maternal healthcare services and public health infrastructure. The implementation of various initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), and other programs has significantly boosted antenatal and postnatal care coverage, ensuring quality care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Child nutrition outcomes also showed positive trends, with a high percentage of children under six months being breastfed, and a substantial decline in stunting prevalence among children under five years, indicating improved long-term nutritional outcomes and child health. The survey also highlighted an increase in the use of hygienic menstrual protection methods among young women, supported by initiatives promoting safe menstrual hygiene practices nationwide.
