Maharashtra shows strong improvement in child nutrition indicators: CRY analysis of NFHS-6

Maharashtra has recorded notable improvements in key child nutrition indicators according to an analysis by CRY Child Rights and You of the recently released National Family Health Survey NFHS6 202324 an official statement saidThe latest survey highlights encouraging progress in child and maternal health nutrition and immunisation across IndiaCompared with NFHS5 201921 the findings show that sustained investments in public health programmes and stronger service delivery systems are helping improve outcomes for children and familiesOne of the biggest achievements highlighted in NFHS6 is the increase in immunisation coverage among children aged 12 to 23 monthsThe proportion of fully immunised children rose from 838 per cent in NFHS5 to 871 per cent in NFHS6 Coverage of at least one vaccine remained above 96 per centRotavirus vaccine coverage saw a dramatic rise from 364 per cent to 856 per cent Meanwhile coverage of the second dose of the measles vaccine increased from 586 per cent to 718 per centMaharashtra records decline in malnutritionAmong western Indian states Maharashtra has shown substantial progress in reducing child malnutritionStunting among children declined from 352 per cent to 295 per cent while wasting fell from 256 per cent to 199 per cent Severe wasting reduced from 109 per cent to 76 per cent and the proportion of underweight children dropped from 361 per cent to 314 per centDespite these gains the state faces a growing challenge from lifestylerelated diseases Rates of overweight and obesity among adults are increasing along with higher levels of diabetes and high blood sugarGujarat continues to face high child malnutrition levelsGujarat has also recorded improvements across major child nutrition indicators including reductions in stunting wasting severe wasting and underweight prevalenceHowever child malnutrition remains a serious concern in the state More than onethird of children are still either stunted or underweight Progress in providing adequate diets for young children remains slowAt the same time increasing obesity and diabetes rates among adults highlight the states growing double burden of malnutrition where undernutrition and overnutrition exist side by sideMixed picture in ChhattisgarhChhattisgarh has made encouraging progress in reducing chronic malnutrition Stunting declined from 346 per cent to 275 per cent while more children are receiving adequate dietsHowever the state has seen an increase in wasting and underweight prevalence Adult undernutrition particularly among women also remains a concernExperts say these mixed trends indicate that while progress has been made targeted interventions are still needed to tackle acute malnutrition and improve food securityNeed to sustain momentumCommenting on the findings Kreeanne Rabadi Regional Director CRY ndash West said the NFHS6 results reflect encouraging progress in improving child health and nutrition in Maharashtra and other statesShe noted that the reduction in stunting and severe wasting demonstrates the positive impact of focused public health and nutrition programmesRabadi added that while the achievements are significant much work remains to ensure every child has the right to survival growth and development She stressed the importance of strengthening lastmile delivery of essential services and ensuring vulnerable children and families are not left behind as India works towards its development goals