India has recorded notable improvements in child health indicators, with full vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months increasing from 83.8% in 2019-21 to 87.1% in 2023-24, according to the latest findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6).

The survey also reported encouraging progress in child nutrition, with key indicators such as stunting and severe wasting showing a decline compared to previous survey rounds. Public health experts say the findings reflect the impact of expanded immunization programmes, improved maternal and child healthcare services, nutrition initiatives, and greater healthcare awareness across the country.

Full immunization remains one of the most effective public health interventions, protecting children against life threatening diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and measles. Health officials believe the increase in vaccination coverage is a positive sign for India’s efforts to reduce child mortality and improve overall health outcomes.

The NFHS-6 findings also indicate progress in tackling malnutrition, which has long remained a major public health challenge. Stunting, which reflects chronic undernutrition, and severe wasting, a sign of acute malnutrition, have both shown improvement in several states. Experts attribute this trend to government initiatives such as Poshan Abhiyaan, strengthened Anganwadi services, improved food security measures, and targeted maternal and child nutrition programmes.

According to global health estimates, malnutrition contributes to nearly half of all deaths among children under five years of age worldwide. Improving nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is considered critical for healthy growth, cognitive development, and long term health outcomes.

Healthcare experts have welcomed the latest survey findings but caution that continued efforts are needed to address regional disparities in vaccination coverage and child nutrition. They stress that sustained investment in primary healthcare, routine immunization, maternal health services, and nutrition programmes will be essential to maintaining progress.

The NFHS-6 results are being viewed as an important indicator of India’s improving public health performance and its ongoing efforts to strengthen child healthcare and nutrition outcomes nationwide.