Odisha Faces Rising Child Malnutrition Rates, NFHS-6 Reports
22.1% of state kids under 5 years suffer from acute malnutrition: NFHS-6
Image: The Times Of India
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) reveals that 22.1% of children under five in Odisha suffer from acute malnutrition, surpassing the national average of 19%. This marks an increase from 18.1% in the previous survey, highlighting ongoing challenges in child nutrition despite some improvements in healthcare access.
- 01Odisha's acute malnutrition rate for children under five rose to 22.1%, up from 18.1% in NFHS-5.
- 02The state ranks among the worst in India for child wasting, with only Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand reporting higher rates.
- 03Underweight prevalence among Odisha's children increased from 29.7% to 31.6%.
- 04Stunting rates decreased to 26.8%, lower than the national average of 29.3%.
- 05Adult obesity rates have risen sharply, with 29.7% of women and 27.8% of men classified as overweight or obese.
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According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) conducted in 2023-24, Odisha is facing a significant challenge with child malnutrition, as 22.1% of children under five are classified as wasted, which is above the national average of 19%. This figure represents an increase from 18.1% in the previous NFHS-5 survey (2019-21). The rise in malnutrition rates places Odisha among the worst-performing states, with only Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand reporting higher levels of child wasting. Additionally, the percentage of underweight children in the state has increased to 31.6%. While stunting rates have decreased to 26.8%, indicating some progress, the overall situation remains concerning. Public health experts attribute high wasting rates to inadequate feeding practices and food insecurity, which pose significant risks to child survival. The survey also highlights a growing dual burden of malnutrition in Odisha, with increasing rates of obesity among adults, where 29.7% of women and 27.8% of men are now classified as overweight or obese.
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The rising rates of acute malnutrition among children in Odisha indicate a critical public health issue that could affect child mortality and long-term health outcomes.
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