Home-Based Pediatric Care in India: A Narrative Review of HBNC, HBYC, and IYCF Strategies for Improving Child Survival.

Author Name: Mr. Ravi Rai Dangi, Prof. Dr. Sunil Jaiswal

Volume: 03/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2023-61555522/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D. Scholar, LN Nursing College, LNCT University Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
2. Professor, LN Nursing College, LNCT University Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

ABSTRACT

India continues to face high neonatal and under‑five mortality driven by preventable causes such as infections, prematurity, and malnutrition. To bridge gaps in facility‑based services, home‑based strategies Home‑Based Newborn Care (HBNC), Home‑Based Young Child Care (HBYC), and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) were introduced to provide a continuum of care during the first 1,000 days of life. This narrative review synthesized evidence from 2016 to 2025 using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, Indian Citation Index, and grey literature. HBNC, initiated in 2011, was associated with a decline in neonatal mortality from 39 to 23 per 1,000 live births between 2014 and 2023 and improved early breastfeeding initiation. HBYC, launched in 2018, strengthened growth monitoring, immunization coverage, and early malnutrition detection for children up to 15 months. IYCF interventions, integrated with ICDS and Poshan Abhiyaan, improved exclusive breastfeeding rates to 63.7%, though complementary feeding practices remain suboptimal. Key challenges include workforce shortages, training gaps, socio‑cultural barriers, supply chain issues, and weak intersectoral coordination. Addressing these operational barriers through workforce strengthening, digital innovations, and community engagement can enhance program scalability and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Key words: Home‑Based Newborn Care, Home‑Based Young Child Care, Infant and Young Child Feeding, ASHA workers, Child survival, India