NFHS-6.
Maharashtra has recorded notable improvements in maternal and child health indicators, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6, reflecting the state's sustained investments in antenatal care, institutional delivery, immunisation and nutrition interventions.
The findings reinforce the importance of the "First 1,000 Days" approach-from pregnancy until a child's second birthday-which is globally recognised as a critical window for ensuring healthy growth, immunity and cognitive development.
One of the most significant improvements has been in antenatal care. The proportion of women receiving an antenatal check-up in the first trimester increased from 70.9% in NFHS-5 to 85.4% in NFHS-6. The percentage of women receiving at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit increased from 91.6% to 95.5%, while those completing at least four ANC visits rose from 71.4% to 77.5%. Consumption of iron-folic acid supplements also improved substantially, with usage for at least 100 days increasing from 48.2% to 71.2% and for at least 180 days from 30.9% to 52.3%.
Commenting on these improvements, Dr. Bhagyashree Naphade, Consultant OBGY, Surya Mother and Child Specialist Hospital, Pune, said, "The improvement in antenatal check-ups in the first trimester from 70.9% to 85.4% is very impressive because registering early enables health workers to be able to deal with complications like anaemia, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes before it is too late. In addition, the increase in the number of women using iron-folic acid indicates the adoption of healthy maternal practices that will ultimately improve birth outcomes."
The state also continued to strengthen access to institutional and postnatal care. Institutional births increased from 94.7% to 96.4%, while births attended by skilled health personnel improved from 93.8% to 94.5%. Postnatal care for mothers within two days of delivery rose from 85.4% to 91.1%, while postnatal care for children within two days increased from 89.1% to 92.3%. Child health checks within 24 hours of birth more than doubled from 6.8% to 15%.
Highlighting the significance of these developments, Dr. Rashmi Ardey, Director Programme (Health), Smile Foundation, observed, "NFHS-6 data shows that Maharashtra has done extremely well in maternal and child health, highlighting the importance of continuity of care, quality services and equity in service delivery. Community engagement and participation is critical in translating access to services into improved health outcomes by integrating the continuum of care across the life course, enhancing health awareness and community mobilization, and ensuring sustained focus on anemia prevention, nutrition security, and other key determinants of health."
The gains in maternal healthcare have translated into improved outcomes for children. Stunting among children under five years declined from 35.2% to 29.5%, wasting reduced from 25.6% to 19.9%, severe wasting decreased from 10.9% to 7.6%, and the prevalence of underweight children fell from 36.1% to 31.4%. Full immunisation among children aged 12-23 months increased significantly from 73.6% to 83.4%, while rotavirus immunisation rates witnessed a sharp jump from 8.2% to 87%.
Commenting on the broader nutritional trends, Archana Sinha, CEO, Nourishing Schools Foundation, said, "Maharashtra's child nutrition indicators show encouraging progress, with stunting among children under five years reducing from 35.2% to 29.5%. These gains reflect sustained investments in maternal and child health, nutrition services, immunisation and antenatal care. The first 1,000 days remain a critical window for supporting healthy growth and development. At the same time, the rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women aged 15-49 years, from 23.5% to 31.1%, highlights the need to view nutrition through a life-cycle lens. The health and nutritional status of women during pregnancy are influenced by factors that often begin much earlier, including nutrition knowledge, dietary habits and nutritional status during adolescence. Continued investments in maternal and child health, alongside greater attention to adolescent nutrition and awareness, can help sustain and accelerate these gains in the years ahead."
The NFHS-6 findings underscore Maharashtra's progress in creating a robust maternal and child health ecosystem through sustained improvements in healthcare access, nutrition interventions and community engagement. Continued focus on these areas will be essential to further improve health outcomes for mothers and children across the state.
