Health and the Rising NCD Burden: A Cornerstone of Human Development

Posted by on
Credit: IIHMR Delhi


Introduction

Health is not merely the absence of disease; it is a vital prerequisite for human development, economic productivity, and social well-being. In recent years, the global and Indian health landscape has seen a worrying shift: the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancers has emerged as a major public health challenge. These diseases, often linked to lifestyle and dietary habits, now account for over 60% of deaths in India. Over the last three decades, India has witnessed a dramatic decline in communicable diseases and maternal-child health issues, yet the surge in NCDs threatens to undo these gains. As the country grapples with the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, addressing NCDs has become crucial to ensuring a healthier and more productive future.

Click here to read about the undernutrition in India.

Body

Global and Indian Health Indicators

  • Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR):

    • Global: 223 per 100,000 live births (2020, WHO)

    • India: Dropped from 130 (2014–16) to 97 (2018–20) per 100,000 live births—a 33-point drop and an 83% decline since 1990

  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):

    • Global: 28 per 1,000 live births

    • India: Dropped from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020) per 1,000 live births

  • Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):

    • India: Reduced from 26 (2014) to 20 (2020) per 1,000 live births

  • Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR):

    • India: Declined from 45 (2014) to 32 (2020) per 1,000 live births

  • Stunting in Children under 5:

    • Global: 22.3% (UNICEF 2023)

    • India: 35.5% (NFHS-5)

  • Wasting in Children under 5:

    • India: 19.3% (NFHS-5)

  • Underweight Prevalence in Children under 5:

    • India: 32.1% (NFHS-5)

Anaemia Prevalence (NFHS-5)

  • Men (15–49 years): 25.0%

  • Women (15–49 years): 57.0%

  • Adolescent Boys (15–19 years): 31.1%

  • Adolescent Girls (15–19 years): 59.1%

  • Pregnant Women (15–49 years): 52.2%

  • Children (6–59 months): 67.1%

Causes and Determinants of Poor Health

  • Malnutrition and undernutrition (especially among children and women)

  • Poor access to clean water and sanitation

  • Air pollution (India among worst affected globally)

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Dietary habits high in salt, sugar, and ultra-processed foods

  • Increasing alcohol and tobacco consumption

  • Insufficient public health infrastructure and healthcare workforce

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors

  • High Sugar Intake: Leads to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease

  • Excessive Salt Consumption: Increases risk of hypertension and stroke

  • High Oil and Fat Consumption: Linked to cardiovascular disease

  • Ultra-Processed Foods: Contain hidden sugars and trans fats, increasing NCD risk

Government Initiatives

  • Eat Right India Movement (FSSAI): Promotes healthy eating, food safety, and consumer awareness

  • POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focus on improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers

  • National Health Mission (NHM): Strengthens primary and secondary healthcare systems

  • Ayushman Bharat: Provides insurance and promotes Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

  • Fit India Movement: Encourages physical fitness and healthy lifestyle

  • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)

  • World Food Safety Day 2025 Initiatives:

    • Theme: "Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy"

    • Union Health Minister stressed traditional food, reducing oil and salt intake, and awareness campaigns

    • Sugar and Oil Boards in schools and offices for behavioral change

    • Eat Right Activity Book for children launched to instill healthy habits early

    • Awareness materials in sign language and regional languages

  • Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign (2025):

    • Duration: 20th February to 31st March 2025

    • Aim: 100% screening of individuals aged 30+ for diabetes, hypertension, and oral, breast, and cervical cancers

    • Execution: Conducted through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) under NP-NCD

    • Key Features:

      • Door-to-door outreach by ASHAs, ANMs, and frontline workers

      • Provision of essential supplies like BP monitors, glucometers, and medicines

      • Real-time monitoring via NP-NCD Portal

      • Multi-level coordination with nodal officers

      • Daily progress reports to Ministry by 6 PM

    • Goals:

      • Early detection and timely care

      • Reduced complications and lower treatment costs

      • Improved health outcomes and quality of life

  • Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs):

    • As of 5th April 2025, over 1.76 lakh active AAMs (Health & Wellness Centres) are operational across India

    • Over 107.10 crore screenings for hypertension and 94.56 crore for diabetes conducted

    • AAMs conduct wellness activities such as yoga, cycling, and meditation

    • As of 28th February 2025, 5.06 crore wellness sessions, including yoga, were held

  • National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS):

    • As of 30th November 2024, 17,000+ government health facilities certified under NQAS

    • Ensures continuous quality improvement and patient-centric care in public health services

NCD Risk Factors and Current Burden in India

  • NCDs account for 65% of all deaths in India. Expected to account for 75% of total deaths in India by 2030

  • Major metabolic risk factors include:

    • Obesity

    • Raised blood pressure

    • Raised blood glucose

    • Elevated cholesterol levels

  • Obesity:

    • India: Urban obesity rose by 39.6% (2008–2020), rural by 23.1% (ICMR–INDIAB study)

    • Overall weighted prevalence of overweight and obesity in males and females as per NFHS-5 was 44.02% and 41.16%, respectively, compared to 37.71% and 36.14% in NFHS-4.

  • Prevalence of Hypertension:

    • 21% of women and 24% of men (age 15+) have hypertension

    • 39% of women and 49% of men are pre-hypertensive

  • Blood Glucose Levels:

    • 12% of women and 14% of men (age 15+) have random blood glucose levels >140 mg/dl

  • Cancer Screening (Women age 15–49):

    • 0.6% have had a breast cancer screening test

    • 1.2% have had a cervical cancer screening test

    • 0.7% have had an oral cavity screening test

Way Forward

  • Promote preventive healthcare through awareness and education

  • Encourage consumption of traditional and local foods like millets

  • Regulate marketing of ultra-processed and unhealthy food

  • Strengthen public health systems and research

  • Incorporate nutrition and lifestyle education in school curriculum

  • Involve community stakeholders, industry, and academia in food safety and public health

  • Reduce oil and salt consumption as per national targets

Conclusion

India is at a critical juncture in its public health journey. While communicable diseases still persist, the exponential rise of NCDs—driven by lifestyle, food habits, and urbanization—requires urgent and collaborative action. Food safety and nutrition must be made central to public health planning. Only through sustained behavioral change, robust policies, and active citizen participation can we build a healthier India and realize the vision of a "Viksit Bharat."

Comments

Post a Comment