Global breastfeeding rates rise, India yet to arrest decline

Global exclusive breastfeeding rates rose from about 37% in 2012 to over 47% today, according to WHO and UNICEF.

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate declined from 63.7% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24).

The Union health ministry attributed the decline to socio-cultural practices, family customs, pre-lacteal feeds, and infant milk substitutes.

Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth improved from 41.8% to 50.1%, and any breast milk for infants under six months rose from 95.1% to 95.6%.

The government promotes exclusive breastfeeding through the Mother Absolute Affection (MAA) programme and Poshan Tracker-based counselling.