NFHS-6 reveals progress amid nutrition challenges

The NFHS-6 report indicates mixed progress in India's child nutrition, with a decline in stunting and significant improvements in institutional births and vaccination coverage, attributed to better healthcare access, maternal education, and sanitation. However, wasting levels remain largely unchanged, and poor feeding practices, maternal time poverty, and the shift towards processed foods continue to pose challenges. The article emphasizes the need to strengthen frontline workers, ensure multisectoral convergence, engage men in childcare, and promote crèche models for sustained progress in child nutrition.