NFHS-6 data shows gains in child health, vaccination and hospital births

New Delhi: India recorded key improvements in maternal and child health over the last two years, with more hospital births, higher vaccination coverage, and a drop in stunting and severe wasting among young children.

The Health Ministry released findings from the National Family Health Survey-6 on Friday. Field work for NFHS-6 was carried out in 2023 and 2024.

Institutional deliveries rose to 90.6%, up from 88.6% in the previous NFHS conducted between 2019 and 2021. Full vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months climbed from 83.8% to 87.1%. During the survey period, 95.6% of infants under six months were being breastfed.

The data also points to declines in stunting and severe wasting among young children, signaling progress in child nutrition. Officials said the findings reflect stronger outreach on immunization and maternal care, along with wider access to health facilities.