Meghalaya Achieves Significant Reduction in Child Stunting Rates

Meghalaya has achieved a significant reduction in child stunting rates, dropping from 46.5% to 36.8% among five-year-olds, according to the latest National Family Health Survey. This improvement is attributed to effective government programs and community involvement, particularly through Anganwadi centres and frontline workers. Awareness campaigns on breastfeeding have also contributed to this success, with a high percentage of infants being breastfed shortly after birth. The state's maternal health services have expanded, focusing on essential health measures for mothers and children. The Chief Minister's Mission 1000 Days is a key initiative aimed at supporting child development during critical early years.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 10:05 IST

Progress in Child Nutrition in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, Jun 1: Recent government initiatives and community involvement have led to a notable decline in stunting rates among children under five in Meghalaya, dropping by almost 10 percentage points.

The latest findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) indicate that the stunting rate for five-year-olds in Meghalaya has decreased from 46.5 percent in NFHS-5 to 36.8 percent.

Stunting, which reflects chronic malnutrition, signifies that the state has made strides in enhancing nutritional support for children through collaborative efforts.

Central to this initiative are the Anganwadi centres and dedicated frontline workers who have been instrumental in implementing government programs, reaching out to both children and nursing mothers.

These frontline workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi workers, and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, serve as essential connectors between government services and local communities.

Government-led awareness campaigns promoting breastfeeding have also shown positive outcomes, with the survey revealing that 76.4 percent of newborns were breastfed within the first hour of life, and 97.1 percent of infants under six months are currently being breastfed.

Officials attribute these advancements to a unified approach involving various government departments, frontline workers, local organizations, and community members collaborating effectively.

Additionally, the state government has broadened maternal health services, encouraging early antenatal registration, regular health check-ups, iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, immunization, and nutrition counseling.

The Chief Minister's Mission 1000 Days has emerged as a key initiative, focusing on the crucial period from conception to a child's second birthday.

Staff Correspondent