Madhya Pradesh faces child nutrition crisis despite vaccination gains

A recent health report on Madhya Pradesh has revealed concerning trends in child nutrition and disease prevalence. While some improvements have been noted in vaccination coverage and respiratory infections, malnutrition and diarrhoeal cases remain significant challenges for young children in the state. Breastfeeding rates in the state show mixed results. Less than half of newborns—49.9%—are breastfed within the first hour of birth. The percentage of infants under six months receiving exclusive breastfeeding has also dropped to 56.4%.

Nutritional deficiencies are widespread among older children. A striking 88% of those aged 6 to 23 months do not receive an adequate diet. The figures are similarly alarming for both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding children in this age group, with 87.6% and 91.1% respectively deprived of proper nutrition. On the health front, acute respiratory infections have declined to 1.4%. However, diarrhoeal diseases have worsened, with overall prevalence rising to 10.5% among under-fives. Severe diarrhoea cases have also increased, now affecting 0.7% of children. Vaccination rates offer a brighter spot. Among children aged 12 to 23 months, 85.8% are fully immunised. The vast majority—97.4%—received most of their vaccinations at government hospitals. Underweight rates remain high, with 39.7% of children in the state affected by the condition.

The report highlights persistent gaps in child nutrition despite progress in vaccination efforts. With nearly four in ten children underweight and diarrhoeal cases on the rise, health officials face ongoing challenges in improving early feeding practices and disease prevention across Madhya Pradesh.