Global Breastfeeding Rates Rise, India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Declines
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Ahead of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), WHO and UNICEF highlighted that global exclusive breastfeeding rates have improved, but India's rate has declined from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8% in NFHS-6. The Union health ministry's response in Rajya Sabha attributed this to socio-cultural factors and other reasons, making it a current issue for health policy and women and child development.
Background
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is a key child survival intervention. India's National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) track this indicator. The government has programmes like MAA (Mother Absolute Affection) to promote breastfeeding.
Key facts
Global exclusive breastfeeding rate increased from about 37% in 2012 to over 47% today.
India's exclusive breastfeeding rate declined from 63.7% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24).
Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth in India increased from 41.8% to 50.1%.
Proportion of infants below six months receiving any breast milk in India rose marginally from 95.1% to 95.6%.
Union health ministry cited socio-cultural practices, family customs, individual preferences, use of pre-lacteal feeds and infant milk substitutes, and breastfeeding frequency as reasons for decline.
WHO and UNICEF called for stronger support systems for mothers, including skilled breastfeeding support, community counselling, and paid maternity leave.
Breastfeeding protects children against infections, strengthens immunity, supports cognitive development, and lowers mothers' risk of breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes.
Government cited National Health Mission's MAA programme, lactation management centres, healthcare worker training, Poshan Tracker-based counselling, and community awareness campaigns as efforts.
A 2025 NITI Aayog evaluation found new mothers were receiving information on exclusive breastfeeding during postnatal period.
Prelims pointers
- World Breastfeeding Week: August 1-7
- NFHS-5 (2019-21) and NFHS-6 (2023-24)
- Mother Absolute Affection (MAA) programme
- Poshan Tracker
- National Health Mission
- WHO and UNICEF
- NITI Aayog
Mains angles
- Discuss the reasons for decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates in India and suggest measures to improve it.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of government schemes like MAA in promoting breastfeeding.
- Analyze the role of socio-cultural factors and women's workforce participation in child nutrition outcomes.