Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Shillong: Meghalaya has achieved a significant milestone in public health as childhood stunting rates dropped from 46.5 percent in the previous National Family Health Survey to 36.8 percent in the latest NFHS-6 report. This improvement highlights the impact of statewide initiatives aimed at bolstering maternal and infant nutrition despite obstacles like difficult terrain and remote geography.
State officials credited the progress to a collaborative effort involving various government agencies, local institutions, and frontline workers. Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi workers, and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives have acted as the primary link between the government and local families. These teams facilitate growth monitoring through regular Village Health and Nutrition Days, ensuring that children suffering from severe or moderate malnutrition receive prompt care at specialized rehabilitation centres.
Breastfeeding practices across the state also show strong performance. Data indicates that 76.4 percent of newborns are breastfed within one hour of birth, while 97.1 percent of infants under six months are currently breastfed. To support these outcomes, the state provides ongoing monitoring through home-based newborn and young child care programs, which offer counseling directly to vulnerable households.
Maternal health remains a core component of this strategy. The state continues to promote early antenatal registration, routine check-ups, and iron supplementation. Furthermore, Anganwadi Centres serve as the foundation of this ecosystem by providing supplementary meals, preschool education, and essential health services for mothers and children. These efforts, combined with schemes that encourage institutional deliveries, are helping to ensure safer childbirth and long-term health for the region.
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