Madhya Pradesh Faces Alarming Child Malnutrition Rates, NFHS-6 Reveals
NFHS-6: Madhya Pradesh reports highest child malnutrition in India
Image: Hindustan Times
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) indicates that Madhya Pradesh has the highest child malnutrition rates in India, with a significant increase in wasting and underweight children. The state struggles with inadequate nutrition programs despite ongoing government initiatives.
- 01Madhya Pradesh has the highest rate of wasting children in India at 23.8%, a rise from 18.9% in the previous survey.
- 02The underweight rate in Madhya Pradesh is 39.7%, second only to Jharkhand's 41.1%, marking a 6.7% increase since NFHS-5.
- 03The state has seen a decrease in stunted growth rates from 31.4% to 24.5%.
- 04Exclusive breastfeeding rates have declined, contributing to higher mortality among malnourished children.
- 05The Yashoda scheme, aimed at providing milk to children, has yet to be implemented over a year after its announcement.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Recent findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) reveal that Madhya Pradesh has the highest child malnutrition rates in India, with 23.8% of children classified as wasted, up from 18.9% in the previous survey. The state also ranks second in underweight children at 39.7%, a 6.7% increase since NFHS-5, trailing only Jharkhand. Despite a decrease in stunting rates from 31.4% to 24.5%, the overall nutritional situation remains dire, exacerbated by falling exclusive breastfeeding rates. Government initiatives like the Yashoda scheme, which promises milk for children, have not yet been implemented due to logistical delays. Funding for nutrition programs has stagnated, and while the state has increased its budget for the Poshan Abhiyan, critics argue that more aggressive measures are needed. Local leaders express concern over the government's focus on promotional events rather than addressing malnutrition directly.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The high rates of malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh significantly affect children's health and survival, necessitating immediate government intervention.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the most effective way to address child malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.