Tracking of Child Health in India: Policy, Governance and Perspectives

Background : The governance and policy landscape of child health in India within the framework of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) 3, aiming to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” With
India’s substantial youthful population, addressing the health needs of children becomes paramount. The study
meticulously traces the trajectory of child health, emphasizing the critical role of monitoring indicators like Infant
Mortality Rate, vaccination coverage, and nutritional status. Methods: Employing a comprehensive approach, the
study analyses data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 3, NFHS 4, and NFHS 5, alongside the
Sample Registration System (SRS) spanning the years 2017 to 2020. Results: The findings unveil positive trends
in infant and child mortality rates, coupled with improvements in immunization coverage. Additionally, the results
highlight persistent rural-urban differentials, underscoring continuous efforts to bridge these gaps through targeted
initiatives. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the nation’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its youthful
population and contributes to the broader global objective of promoting healthy lives for all.