The National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), conducted in 2019-20, provides crucial data on health and family welfare across India. This large-scale survey, coordinated by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), offers insights into various health indicators. The NFHS-5 covers areas such as fertility, infant and child mortality, nutrition, and more. This data helps in assessing the effectiveness of ongoing health programs and identifying areas needing attention.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is an essential tool for collecting comprehensive data on health and family welfare across India. Conducted periodically, it serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and health officials to understand and address the health needs of the population. Each round of NFHS provides critical insights into various aspects of health, nutrition, and family planning.
The NFHS is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted across a representative sample of Indian households. Its extensive scope allows for the collection of diverse data on health and family welfare. This large-scale survey ensures that the data collected is representative of the entire population, making it a reliable source for health statistics in India.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has appointed the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in Mumbai as the nodal agency for the NFHS. IIPS is responsible for coordinating the survey and providing technical guidance. This collaboration ensures that the survey is conducted efficiently and with high standards of accuracy.
Each round of the NFHS aims to achieve two primary goals: to provide essential data on health and family welfare for policy and program purposes and to address emerging health issues. This dual focus ensures that the survey remains relevant and useful for both immediate policy needs and long-term health planning.
The NFHS provides crucial information on various health indicators, including fertility, infant and child mortality, family planning practices, maternal and reproductive health, nutrition, anaemia, and the utilization of health services. This comprehensive data helps in understanding the health landscape and identifying areas that need attention.
The NFHS is funded by a combination of sources, including USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Government of India. This diverse funding ensures the sustainability and thorough execution of the survey, enabling it to cover a broad range of health topics comprehensively.
The NFHS has evolved significantly since its inception, with each round building on the previous one to provide more detailed and comprehensive data. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of health data collection in India, offering invaluable insights into the country’s health trends and challenges.
The primary objective of each NFHS round is to provide high-quality data on health and family welfare. This data is crucial for informed decision-making and policy formulation, helping to address both ongoing and emerging health issues effectively.
The NFHS-1 was conducted in 1992–93, followed by NFHS-2 in 1998–99, NFHS-3 in 2005–06, and NFHS-4 in 2014–15. Each round was funded by various international and national agencies, including USAID, UNICEF, and the Government of India. The surveys have progressively expanded in scope and coverage, providing more detailed and localized data over time.
NFHS-5 revealed several critical health and demographic indicators, providing valuable insights into the current state of health and family welfare in India. These findings are essential for understanding the progress made and the challenges that remain.
The overall sex ratio in NFHS-5 is 1020 women per 1000 men, the highest recorded in any NFHS survey. However, the sex ratio at birth remains skewed towards boys, indicating persistent gender biases. Major states with low sex ratios at birth include Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 2, below the replacement level of 2.1. This trend indicates an aging population, with the share of the under-15 population declining from 28.6% to 26.5%. The TFR is higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, reflecting different demographic trends.
Child nutrition indicators show slight improvements, with declines in stunting, wasting, and underweight rates. However, the increase in overweight children, from 2.1% to 3.4%, highlights emerging nutritional challenges. While improvements are noted, significant changes in child nutrition indicators require longer periods.
Anaemia has worsened across all demographics, with children, women, and men showing increased incidence. Most states fall into the severe category, with only Kerala remaining in the moderate category. This trend underscores the need for targeted interventions to address anemia.
Full immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months has improved significantly, from 62% to 76%. Several states have achieved more than three-fourths coverage, with Odisha leading at 90%. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of immunization programs.
Institutional births have increased from 79% to 89%, with some states achieving 100% institutional deliveries. However, there is a notable rise in C-section deliveries in private health facilities, raising concerns about unethical practices prioritizing monetary gain over women’s health.
The contraceptive prevalence rate has increased from 54% to 67%, with a decline in unmet family planning needs from 13% to 9%. The use of modern contraceptive methods has also risen, indicating better access to family planning services.
Exclusive breastfeeding rates for children under six months have improved from 55% to 64%. This positive trend reflects better awareness and practices around child nutrition and maternal health.
Indicators of women’s empowerment have shown significant improvement, with the percentage of women operating bank accounts increasing from 53% to 79%. This progress underscores the growing financial independence and empowerment of women across India.
The National Family Health Survey 5 includes a comprehensive overview of India’s health and family welfare landscape, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. For UPSC aspirants, these insights are invaluable for understanding policy impacts and envisioning future interventions. This data not only aids in academic preparation but also fosters a deeper commitment to addressing India’s socio-economic issues.
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