National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India, 2019-21: Mizoram

The survey aimed to collect data on various health and family welfare indicators, including fertility, family planning, infant and child mortality, maternal health, and adult health. The survey found that the total fertility rate in Mizoram was 1.8 children per woman, which is below the national average. The fertility rate has declined significantly over the years, from 3.3 children per woman in 2005-06 to 1.8 children per woman in 2019-21. The survey also reported a decline in the total desired family size, from 3.4 children in 2005-06 to 2.3 children in 2019-21. The survey highlighted the importance of education in reducing fertility rates. Women with higher levels of education were found to have lower fertility rates, with those who had completed higher secondary education or above having a total fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman. The survey also found that women's empowerment, as measured by their participation in decision-making, was positively associated with lower fertility rates. In terms of family planning, the survey found that the use of modern contraceptive methods had increased significantly over the years. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among married women aged 15-49 years was 73.4% in 2019-21, up from 44.8% in 2005-06. The survey also reported a decline in the unmet need for family planning, from 24.1% in 2005-06 to 12.1% in 2019-21. The survey highlighted the importance of antenatal care in improving maternal and child health outcomes. The survey found that 94.1% of pregnant women received antenatal care from a healthcare provider, and 83.4% received at least four antenatal care visits. The survey also reported a decline in the number of births attended by untrained birth attendants, from 44.8% in 2005-06 to 14.1% in 2019-21. In terms of infant and child mortality, the survey found that the under-five mortality rate in Mizoram was 14.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is lower than the national average. The survey also reported a decline in the infant mortality rate, from 34.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005-06 to 14.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019-21. The survey highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in improving infant and child health outcomes. The survey found that 94.1% of infants were breastfed within the first hour of birth, and 83.4% were exclusively breastfed for the first six months. The survey also reported a decline in the prevalence of stunting among children aged 0-59 months, from 34.8% in 2005-06 to 24.1% in 2019-21. Overall, the NFHS-5 survey in Mizoram provides valuable insights into the health and family welfare situation in the state. The survey highlights the importance of education, women's empowerment, and antenatal care in improving maternal and child health outcomes. The survey also highlights the need for continued efforts to improve access to modern contraceptive methods and to reduce infant and child mortality rates.