Childhood NCDs on the rise: Urgent action required

When we hear the words noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), most of us think of adults living with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or respiratory illnesses.

- Sanjay Singh & Dr Mangesh Gadhari

But a more unsettling reality is emerging — children are increasingly affected by NCDs. This silent crisis, an “invisible epidemic’, is unfolding in our homes, schools, and communities, yet it remains largely invisible in policy discussions.

NCDs account for 71% deaths globally, and nearly two out of three deaths in India. Unlike infectious diseases, they do not spread from one child to another. Instead, they emerge from a mix of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. For children, this means more than just a diagnosis; it becomes part of daily life. Insulin injections before school, breathlessness while playing, fatigue that hampers learning, or stigma in classrooms are lived experiences that quietly erode childhood.

The numbers speak for themselves. India ranks third globally for sickle cell disease burden, with nearly 1.2 million people affected. In Maharashtra alone, more than 16,000 patients have been identified, with the Vidarbha region accounting for nearly 70% of all reported cases in the state. In Mumbai and Pune, childhood asthma and obesity are rising, driven by air pollution, sedentary routines, and diets high in processed food.