India's Maternal Health Crisis: Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates Plummet, Accountability Needed

The latest NFHS-6 data reveals alarming gaps in India's maternal health landscape, where improvements in institutional deliveries and maternity programs have not translated into better exclusive breastfeeding rates. This decline underscores a pressing need for accountability from government officials and policymakers who are tasked with ensuring the health and welfare of mothers and infants.

Underlying Issues

Experts point to a combination of medical, social, and economic factors contributing to this downward trend. Insufficient postnatal support, lack of workplace protections, and inadequate maternity benefits are reportedly undermining the efforts to promote breastfeeding practices that are crucial for infant health.

The government must invest in comprehensive support systems that empower women, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and protections during and after pregnancy. As reported by The Hindu, without such changes, the gap between policy and practice will continue to threaten the health of mothers and their children.

Source: The Hindu