Prioritising children and adolescent health to combat NCDs

Dr Nalini Saligram, Founder and CEO, Arogya World stresses that it is not possible to for any single sector to tackle the prevention of NCDs alone. Here, coordinated action is required

- By Dr Nalini Saligram, Founder and CEO, Arogya World

India stands at a critical juncture in its public health journey. The country has made considerable progress in combating infectious diseases and maternal-child health. However, a health crisis that cannot be ignored is looming large- the silent surge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). According to World Health Organisation, 41 million deaths, around 41 million deaths occur every year accounting for 74 per cent of all deaths globally. The shift in demographics with children, adolescents, and young adults increasingly becoming vulnerable to NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, etc. is concerning. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, rapidly increasing urbanization, increased screen times have significantly contributed to the early onset of NCDs among the younger generation. Thus, there is an urgent need to address this and subsequently take necessary measures.

Understanding the surge in NCDs in India

Across India we are now witnessing a trend, where children as young as ten are suffering from health issues such as increased blood pressures, pre-diabetes or signs of early metabolic syndrome. According to a recent article published in BMC Nutrition (2024), obesity and overweight children and adolescents are increasing rapidly in India, with a 10-year prevalence of almost 14-18 per cent prevalence in urban areas. Cities are witnessing a situation where nearly one-third of children are overweight or obese— While correlated to the rise in sedentary lifestyles, screen addiction, and poor dietary habits.

The surge in NCDs in India can be attributed to factors such as urbanisation, socioeconomic factors, the changing food environment, and the lack of public awareness. With about 65 per cent of India's population under the age of 35 years, and a significant number still in schools, the potential to see a full NCD epidemic in the next 20 years is certainly possible.