Karnataka Shows Progress in Maternal and Child Health, Yet Faces Nutritional Challenges: NFHS-6
Karnataka records gains in maternal and child health, but nutrition remains a concern: NFHS-6
Image: The Hindu
The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) reveals that Karnataka has made significant strides in maternal and child health, with improvements in antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and immunization rates. However, child malnutrition remains a critical issue, despite some progress in nutrition indicators.
- 01Institutional deliveries in Karnataka reached 98.7%, up from 97% in NFHS-5.
- 02The percentage of pregnant women receiving iron and folic acid tablets for at least 100 days increased from 44.7% to 78.0%.
- 03Caesarean section deliveries rose to 45.7%, with urban areas showing a higher rate of 52.6%.
- 04Full immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months improved from 84.3% to 90.2%.
- 05Only 14.2% of children aged six to 23 months received an adequate diet, indicating ongoing nutritional challenges.
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Karnataka has shown notable improvements in maternal and child health as per the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) conducted in 2023-24. Key indicators such as antenatal care coverage rose significantly, with 82.4% of women receiving care in the first trimester and 84.5% receiving at least four check-ups. Institutional deliveries reached 98.7%, while skilled birth attendance increased to 96.6%. However, child malnutrition remains a pressing issue. Although stunting rates among children under five decreased from 35.4% to 26.5%, the prevalence of wasting only marginally declined from 19.5% to 18.7%. Additionally, only 14.2% of young children received an adequate diet. Immunization rates improved, with full coverage among children aged 12-23 months rising to 90.2%. Experts emphasize the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions to address nutritional deficiencies and ensure all children receive necessary vaccinations.
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The improvements in maternal and child health indicators are likely to enhance overall health outcomes in Karnataka, but persistent malnutrition issues could hinder long-term development.
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