By George M.O Williams
Freetown, 17 June 2026 – India has recorded significant progress in healthcare, women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and social development, according to the findings of the Sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released recently by the Government of India.
Addressing members of the media in Freetown, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Saini, Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of India, highlighted the key findings of the survey, describing it as a major milestone in India’s public health journey and a reflection of sustained policy interventions aimed at improving the lives of over 1.4 billion people.
Mr. Saini noted that NFHS-6, conducted during 2023–24, covered nearly 679,000 households and over 700,000 women across 715 districts, making it one of the world’s largest health and demographic surveys.
He emphasized that India has achieved near-universal access to basic amenities, with electricity coverage reaching 98.3 percent and access to improved drinking water increasing to 96.5 percent. Health insurance coverage has also expanded significantly, rising to 60.2 percent of the population.
On women’s empowerment, Mr. Saini highlighted that 89 percent of women now participate in household decision-making and an equal percentage operate their own bank accounts. Internet usage among women has nearly doubled in recent years, reaching 64.3 percent, reflecting growing digital inclusion and financial empowerment.
The Chargé d’Affaires also underscored India’s achievements in maternal and child healthcare. According to the survey, institutional deliveries have increased to 90.6 percent, while 95.9 percent of pregnant women received antenatal care. Full immunization coverage among children has risen to 87.1 percent, supported by extensive public health programmes and digital monitoring systems.
Mr. Saini further noted that India’s demographic transition has consolidated, with the Total Fertility Rate stabilizing at 2.0, equivalent to replacement-level fertility. Child marriage has also declined substantially, falling from 47.4 percent in 2005–06 to 20.1 percent in 2023–24.
The survey also revealed encouraging improvements in child nutrition. The prevalence of stunting among children has declined from 38.4 percent to 29.3 percent over the past decade, while severe wasting has reduced significantly. These gains have been supported by targeted nutrition and maternal health programmes.
Highlighting India’s growing digital health infrastructure, Mr. Saini said that more than 187,000 Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs and Health and Wellness Centres are now operational across the country. In addition, over 467 million telemedicine consultations have been delivered through the eSanjeevani platform, improving access to healthcare services in remote areas.
While acknowledging the substantial progress made, Mr. Saini noted that India continues to address emerging challenges such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases through preventive healthcare, mass screening initiatives, and public awareness campaigns.
He stated that the findings of NFHS-6 reaffirm India’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
“The survey demonstrates the transformative impact of sustained investments in healthcare, nutrition, women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and social welfare. India remains committed to ensuring that development benefits reach every citizen,” Mr. Saini said.
The briefing also highlighted the relevance of India’s experience for developing countries, including Sierra Leone, particularly in areas such as primary healthcare strengthening, digital public infrastructure, immunization, women’s empowerment, and data-driven policymaking.
The High Commission reaffirmed India’s commitment to continuing its development partnership with Sierra Leone, including cooperation in healthcare, capacity building, education, digital innovation, and human resource development.