India releases NFHS-6: Child malnutrition falls, lifestyle diseases hit new highs
NFHS-6 found declines in child stunting and severe wasting, along with gains in immunisation and maternal care. The survey also flagged rising obesity and non-communicable diseases, pointing to a dual public health burden.
India has recorded significant improvements in maternal health, child nutrition and immunisation coverage, according to the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) released by the Union Health Ministry. However, the survey also flagged rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases as emerging public health challenges.
The survey, conducted in 2023-24 across nearly 6.79 lakh households in 715 districts, found that child stunting among children under five years declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, while severe wasting fell from 7.7% to 5.2%.
Full immunisation coverage among children aged 12–23 months improved from 83.8% to 87.1%, and institutional deliveries increased to 90.6%.
Maternal healthcare indicators also showed progress, with antenatal care coverage rising to 95.9% and more women receiving iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy.
Health insurance coverage expanded from 41% to 60.2% of households, reflecting wider access to financial protection schemes such as Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
At the same time, the Ministry highlighted concerns over increasing non-communicable diseases, obesity and other lifestyle-related health risks.
The report noted that India now faces a dual burden of undernutrition and rising overweight and obesity among adults, underscoring the need for greater focus on preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.
The findings suggest that while India has made notable gains in health and nutrition outcomes, tackling obesity and chronic diseases will be critical for sustaining long-term public health progress.
India has recorded significant improvements in maternal health, child nutrition and immunisation coverage, according to the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) released by the Union Health Ministry. However, the survey also flagged rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases as emerging public health challenges.
The survey, conducted in 2023-24 across nearly 6.79 lakh households in 715 districts, found that child stunting among children under five years declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, while severe wasting fell from 7.7% to 5.2%.
Full immunisation coverage among children aged 12–23 months improved from 83.8% to 87.1%, and institutional deliveries increased to 90.6%.
Maternal healthcare indicators also showed progress, with antenatal care coverage rising to 95.9% and more women receiving iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy.
Health insurance coverage expanded from 41% to 60.2% of households, reflecting wider access to financial protection schemes such as Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
At the same time, the Ministry highlighted concerns over increasing non-communicable diseases, obesity and other lifestyle-related health risks.
The report noted that India now faces a dual burden of undernutrition and rising overweight and obesity among adults, underscoring the need for greater focus on preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.
The findings suggest that while India has made notable gains in health and nutrition outcomes, tackling obesity and chronic diseases will be critical for sustaining long-term public health progress.
