11 Nov 2024 • India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) explored regional risk factors for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among children under five. Of 201,133 children, 2.85% had recent respiratory infections.

The northern and central regions had the highest infection rates, while the southern region had the lowest.

Factors associated with increased risk included limited healthcare access, maternal smoking, caste, child age, and birthweight.

The study highlighted regional disparities, with southern India benefiting from initiatives like the WHO’s Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses program.

These initiatives could serve as models for improving public health infrastructure and reducing ARI-related under-five mortality in other regions.

Source: Indian Journal of Community Medicine Read full story