08 June,2026 01:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra has shown substantial progress in reducing child malnutrition. Pic/X
Maharashtra has recorded notable improvements in key child nutrition indicators, according to an analysis by CRY (Child Rights and You) of the recently released National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24, an official statement said.
The latest survey highlights encouraging progress in child and maternal health, nutrition and immunisation across India.
Compared with NFHS-5 (2019-21), the findings show that sustained investments in public health programmes and stronger service delivery systems are helping improve outcomes for children and families.
One of the biggest achievements highlighted in NFHS-6 is the increase in immunisation coverage among children aged 12 to 23 months.
The proportion of fully immunised children rose from 83.8 per cent in NFHS-5 to 87.1 per cent in NFHS-6. Coverage of at least one vaccine remained above 96 per cent.
Rotavirus vaccine coverage saw a dramatic rise from 36.4 per cent to 85.6 per cent. Meanwhile, coverage of the second dose of the measles vaccine increased from 58.6 per cent to 71.8 per cent.
Among western Indian states, Maharashtra has shown substantial progress in reducing child malnutrition.
Stunting among children declined from 35.2 per cent to 29.5 per cent, while wasting fell from 25.6 per cent to 19.9 per cent. Severe wasting reduced from 10.9 per cent to 7.6 per cent and the proportion of underweight children dropped from 36.1 per cent to 31.4 per cent.
Despite these gains, the state faces a growing challenge from lifestyle-related diseases. Rates of overweight and obesity among adults are increasing, along with higher levels of diabetes and high blood sugar.
Gujarat has also recorded improvements across major child nutrition indicators, including reductions in stunting, wasting, severe wasting and underweight prevalence.
However, child malnutrition remains a serious concern in the state. More than one-third of children are still either stunted or underweight. Progress in providing adequate diets for young children remains slow.
At the same time, increasing obesity and diabetes rates among adults highlight the state's growing double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and overnutrition exist side by side.
Chhattisgarh has made encouraging progress in reducing chronic malnutrition. Stunting declined from 34.6 per cent to 27.5 per cent, while more children are receiving adequate diets.
However, the state has seen an increase in wasting and underweight prevalence. Adult undernutrition, particularly among women, also remains a concern.
Experts say these mixed trends indicate that while progress has been made, targeted interventions are still needed to tackle acute malnutrition and improve food security.
Commenting on the findings, Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY - West, said the NFHS-6 results reflect encouraging progress in improving child health and nutrition in Maharashtra and other states.
She noted that the reduction in stunting and severe wasting demonstrates the positive impact of focused public health and nutrition programmes.
Rabadi added that while the achievements are significant, much work remains to ensure every child has the right to survival, growth and development. She stressed the importance of strengthening last-mile delivery of essential services and ensuring vulnerable children and families are not left behind as India works towards its development goals.
