SHILLONG: Meghalaya has reported encouraging progress in child nutrition, with the National Family Health Survey-6 recording a decline in stunting among children under five from 46.5 per cent in NFHS-5 to 36.8 per cent in NFHS-6.
The improvement reflects sustained efforts by the government, frontline workers and communities to strengthen maternal and child health and nutrition across the state.
NFHS-6 also pointed to strong breastfeeding indicators. “The survey also highlights encouraging breastfeeding practices, with 76.4 per cent of children breastfed within one hour of birth and 97.1 per cent of infants under six months currently breastfeeding,” an official statement said.
Officials attributed the gains to “a coordinated effort involving government departments, frontline workers, local institutions and communities working together to address malnutrition and improve health outcomes for mothers and children.”
“Despite persistent challenges such as geographic isolation, difficult terrain and limited access to health services in remote areas, Meghalaya has steadily strengthened its nutrition ecosystem through integrated multi-sectoral programmes and community-based interventions,” the statement said.
Frontline workers have been key to the shift. “Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), have played a pivotal role in this effort, serving as the vital link between government services and communities,” it noted.
The state has focused on early detection of malnutrition through “regular Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs)” for growth monitoring. “Children identified with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) are referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres for appropriate care and support.”
Home-based interventions are also in place. “Additional support is provided through Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) and Home-Based Young Child Care (HBYC), enabling vulnerable children and their families to receive continued counselling and monitoring directly at home.”
Maternal health services have been expanded alongside child nutrition efforts. The state is “promoting early antenatal registration, regular check-ups, iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, immunisation and nutrition counselling,” while “government schemes supporting institutional deliveries have further contributed to safer childbirth and improved birth outcomes.”
Anganwadi Centres remain “the foundation of Meghalaya’s nutrition ecosystem, providing supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring, preschool education and health awareness services to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.”
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The statement added that “hot cooked meals and take-home rations have strengthened nutritional support for vulnerable households.”
Community participation has been central to the results. “Women’s groups, self-help groups, village leaders and families have become active participants in growth monitoring, awareness campaigns and support systems for vulnerable children,” it said.
“Households are increasingly adopting kitchen gardens and incorporating traditional nutrient-rich foods into everyday diets.”
Flagship state interventions include the Chief Minister’s Mission 1000 Days. “Focused on the critical period from conception until a child’s second birthday, the mission emphasises strengthening frontline worker capacity, empowering mothers, providing nutrition support, promoting hot cooked meals with eggs and ensuring targeted assistance for children experiencing growth faltering.”
“While challenges remain, Meghalaya’s progress demonstrates the impact of sustained government commitment, strong frontline systems and active community participation,” the statement said.
“The encouraging gains reflected in NFHS-6 offer renewed momentum in the state’s journey towards ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.”
