Maternal And Child Health Gains Highlighted in NFHS‑6
Stronger post‑birth healthcare support, improved maternal nutrition coverage and wider infant feeding awareness have emerged as some of Telangana’s lesser‑discussed health gains in the National Family Health Survey‑6 (NFHS‑6).
HYDERABAD: Stronger post‑birth healthcare support, improved maternal nutrition coverage and wider infant feeding awareness have emerged as some of Telangana’s lesser‑discussed health gains in the National Family Health Survey‑6 (NFHS‑6).
One of the sharpest increases was seen in iron and folic acid intake during pregnancy. The proportion of mothers who consumed iron and folic acid tablets for at least 100 days rose from 57.9 per cent in NFHS‑5 to 81 in the latest report. Those consuming the supplements for 180 days or more increased from 34.4 to 55.7 per cent, well above the national average of 37.8 per cent.
The survey also recorded improvements in postnatal care services. Mothers receiving postnatal care from health personnel within two days of delivery increased from 87.6 per cent to 92.3, while postnatal care for newborns within two days of birth rose from 90 to 93 per cent.
Vaccination coverage against rotavirus showed one of the biggest increases among child health indicators. Children aged 12 to 23 months receiving all three doses of the rotavirus vaccine rose from 5.3 per cent previously to 63.8 per cent in NFHS‑6. However, urban‑rural differences remained visible in a few indicators. Children aged six to 23 months receiving an adequate diet stood at 19.8 per cent in urban Telangana compared with 12.7 per cent in rural areas.
Infant feeding practices showed mixed trends. Breastfeeding within one hour of birth improved substantially from 37.1 per cent to 57.1. Exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months declined slightly from 68.2 to 64.8 per cent, though Telangana remained above the national average of 55.8 per cent.
The survey also showed improvements in nutritional intake among young children. The share of children aged six to 23 months receiving an adequate diet increased from 9 per cent to 15.3 per cent.
“Longer iron and folic acid intake during pregnancy and better postnatal follow‑up usually indicate stronger continuity of maternal care beyond childbirth itself,” said Dr Pranita Podi, consultant obstetrician‑gynaecologist. “The rise in early breastfeeding is also important because the first hour after birth plays a major role in immunity and nutrition,” she added.
The survey’s findings for the state point to wider maternal and child healthcare outreach extending beyond hospital deliveries, particularly in areas linked to post‑birth care, nutrition supplementation and early infant care practices, she said.