Joy and pain: On the NFHS-6 data
The NFHS-6 data reveals significant progress in India's child health indicators, including reduced stunting and wasting, increased institutional deliveries, and higher immunization coverage. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has also stabilized at 2.0, below the replacement level. However, the survey also highlights a 'dual public health burden' with a rise in obesity among adults and a decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates, alongside the persistent challenge of malnutrition and the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The article emphasizes the need to build on gains while implementing comprehensive strategies like NCD screening, behavior change communication, and fiscal measures to address emerging health challenges and bolster health systems.
The NFHS-6 data reveals significant progress in India's child health indicators, including reduced stunting and wasting, increased institutional deliveries, and higher immunization coverage. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has also stabilized at 2.0, below the replacement level. However, the survey also highlights a 'dual public health burden' with a rise in obesity among adults and a decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates, alongside the persistent challenge of malnutrition and the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The article emphasizes the need to build on gains while implementing comprehensive strategies like NCD screening, behavior change communication, and fiscal measures to address emerging health challenges and bolster health systems.
Exam linkage
GS Paper 1: Demography; GS Paper 2: Social Justice (Health, Human Resources, Welfare Schemes, Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources).
Syllabus mapping
This topic appears in Mains
Questions on Social Justice & Development come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.