National Family Health Survey
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a multi-round survey conducted among a representative sample of households across India. The surveys are conducted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, serves as the nodal agency for the survey.
Key Points for UPSC Prelims
- Under the National Family Health Survey, information on population, quality of health, and nutrition, with an emphasis on women and young children is collected.
- The Fourth Edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is the most recent survey conducted in the country in 2015-16.
- The Health Ministry has released partial data from the fifth edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS).
- The phase-1 of the survey with results from 17 states and 5 UTs were released while the second phase covering the remaining 12 states is to be completed by May 2021.
Partial Data of 5th NFHS (Phase 1 result)
As per the partial data of the 5th National Family Health Survey released recently, a considerable increase in the supply of vaccines of childhood immunization has been found from the 4th round.
In Phase 1, 17 states and 5 UTs have been included namely- Bihar, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep.
As per the 5th National Family Health Survey phase 1 result, the percentage of fully vaccinated children in Andhra Pradesh increased to 73% as compared to 65% in the 4th NFHS. Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest vaccination in 2019-20 with 89.3% fully vaccinated children.
Indicators which improved in 5th NFHS
Maternal and child health indicators have shown significant improvement as compared to the 4th National Family Health Survey. Children vaccination has shown improvement along with Women’s empowerment indicators.