Governance to Strengthen Public Health: Mapping Urban Poverty and Its Impact on Child Health Indicators in India

Rayhan Sk, UNICEF
Nisar Ahamad, Assistant Professor

India's rapid urbanization has resulted in widespread population density, income inequality, and inadequate housing, pushing many into slums with poor living conditions. These urban environments disproportionately affect children, leading to significant health risks. This study analyzes the association between urban poverty and child health indicators, focusing on vulnerabilities and socioeconomic determinants. Using data from the Indian Demographic and Health Survey (2019-21) and Census 2011, we categorized urban areas into three groups: urban poor, urban non-poor, and rural. Key child health outcomes—continuum of care, low birth weight, stunting, and anemia—were analyzed for 61,568 children. Findings reveal a decline in urban poverty from 9% in 2006 to 5% in 2021, yet an estimated 1.5 million children under five remain in urban poverty. Disparities in child health outcomes were observed, with urban poor children more likely to suffer from stunting and anemia. Mothers' education was identified as a critical determinant of health disparities. This study underscores the need for state-specific policies targeting the urban poor to improve health outcomes, with a focus on education and healthcare access. Addressing these socioeconomic determinants is essential for shaping effective public health policies.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Health and Morbidity, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Decomposition analysis

See extended abstract.