Child Health Sees Boost as Diarrhoea Cases Drop in India

India has reported a decline in severe diarrhoea cases among young children, aided by enhanced vaccination coverage and improved access to clean water, according to NFHS-6. Child health initiatives under national programs have strengthened community management of diarrhoea, aligning efforts with Sustainable Development Goals.

Recent data from the National Family Health Survey-6 indicates a decrease in the prevalence of severe diarrhoea among children under five in India. With improved vaccination efforts and better access to safe drinking water, these measures have contributed to significant advances in child health.

According to the survey, severe diarrhoea cases dropped from 0.7 per cent in the previous survey to 0.5 per cent, with a notable rise in Rotavirus vaccine coverage among children aged 12-23 months, increasing from 36.4 per cent to 85.4 per cent. The Health Ministry attributed this progress to efforts like the National Health Mission and the Universal Immunisation Programme.

Additionally, initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission have enhanced access to clean drinking water, boosting functional tap connections in rural areas from 17 per cent to 81 per cent. These integrated strategies focusing on health, hygiene, and nutrition are propelling India towards its child health Sustainable Development Goals.