More than 6 million children in Maharashtra have non-communicable diseases, say experts

Childhood non-communicable ailments (NCDs) are quick rising as one among Maharashtra’s gravest public well being challenges, with specialists warning that the State is within the grip of a “silent epidemic” that threatens youngsters’s futures and the healthcare system.

At a workshop organised by UNICEF India and the Press Data Bureau (PIB) in Mumbai on Monday (September 15, 2025), information revealed the dimensions of the disaster.

Maharashtra has greater than 6 million chubby youngsters, together with 2.4 million labeled as overweight. Every year, almost 2,000 new circumstances of Sort 1 diabetes are reported, alongside 20,000 to 25,000 circumstances of congenital coronary heart illness. Respiratory sickness is rampant, with round 3.3 million youngsters dwelling with bronchial asthma, whereas an estimated 8.8 million youngsters face some type of psychological dysfunction. 

Globally, NCDs account for 71% of all deaths, and in India almost two out of three deaths are attributed to them. “Ailments as soon as thought to have an effect on solely adults, equivalent to diabetes, bronchial asthma, congenital coronary heart illness, sickle cell illness, and weight problems, are more and more exhibiting up in youngsters, and this could alarm all of us,” mentioned Dr. Nipun Vinayak, Secretary of Maharashtra’s Public Well being Division. He confused the federal government’s speedy focus is on increasing faculty screenings, guaranteeing uninterrupted entry to medicines, and strengthening district-level care, whereas prevention should start as early as being pregnant.

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Weight problems is among the many fastest-rising threats. Poor weight-reduction plan, processed meals, bodily inactivity, and extreme display screen time are driving the development. “Weight problems is not only about weight; it’s linked to 44% of diabetes, 23% of coronary heart illness, and 41% of sure cancers later in life,” mentioned Dr. Meenakshi Girish, head of paediatrics at AIIMS Nagpur. She advisable unique breastfeeding within the first six months, common bodily exercise, and limiting sugary drinks and display screen publicity as prevention measures. 

Sort 1 diabetes, an autoimmune illness the place the physique stops producing insulin, now accounts for three-quarters of childhood diabetes circumstances. India has over 2,00,000 youngsters and adolescents dwelling with the illness, the very best on the planet, with Maharashtra including round 2,000 new circumstances annually. Administration requires lifelong insulin, however households battle with restricted entry to insulin, glucometers, educated educators, and psychosocial help, forcing many in direction of costly personal care. 

Bronchial asthma is commonly misdiagnosed as recurring coughs or chest infections, delaying remedy. This situation is triggered by air pollution, allergens, and local weather components, resulting in missed faculty days, sleep disruption, fatigue, and long-term lung harm. But, medical doctors mentioned early analysis and correct care may help youngsters reside regular lives. 

Psychological well being has emerged as one other pressing concern, with almost 8.8 million youngsters and adolescents in Maharashtra affected by situations starting from nervousness and melancholy to behavioural points, studying disabilities, and substance use. Nationally, 7.3% of adolescents between 13 and 17 years present indicators of psychological morbidity, whereas globally the determine is between 8 and 15%. Specialists confused the necessity for consciousness, school-based life expertise training, household help, and accessible companies to cut back stigma and guarantee early intervention. 

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Congenital coronary heart illness (CHD), the commonest start defect, impacts 20,000 newborns yearly in Maharashtra, or 8 to 10 per 1,000 reside births. Many go undiagnosed attributable to weak screening and restricted entry to specialised care, leading to delayed development, studying points, and frequent hospitalisations. In response to Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) information, 16,200 youngsters have been recognized with CHD and over 27,000 surgical procedures carried out below the programme. Advances in care imply well timed analysis can allow youngsters with CHD to reside wholesome lives. 

Sickle cell illness, one other main concern in Maharashtra, particularly in Vidarbha, impacts 16,413 sufferers, with round 70% concentrated in tribal areas. The genetic dysfunction causes anemia, ache, infections, and organ harm, severely impacting faculty attendance and development. Although incurable, early detection and constant care can cut back problems and enhance life expectancy. 

Specialists additionally warned that late analysis stays a essential problem. Households typically start remedy solely after ailments advance, resulting in preventable hospitalisations and lifelong problems. Even after analysis, entry to care is uneven, with paediatric specialists and counselling companies restricted to bigger hospitals. Excessive prices, frequent hospital visits, and stigma additional compound the issue.

“The burden is not only medical however social and monetary. Mother and father are pushed into debt for recurring prices and kids endure isolation in colleges,” mentioned Sanjay Singh, UNICEF Maharashtra Chief. He described childhood NCDs as an “invisible epidemic” and introduced the launch of a Paediatric NCD Clinic at AIIMS Nagpur with UNICEF help, providing weekly outpatient companies.

Dr. Prashant Joshi, govt director of AIIMS Nagpur, confused that India is present process an epidemiological transition, with NCDs rising quicker than infectious ailments. He famous that the Nationwide Programme for Prevention and Management of NCDs (NP-NCD) targets adults above 30, leaving youngsters excluded. “Maharashtra lacks a devoted coverage and standardised protocols for childhood NCDs. This partnership between AIIMS, UNICEF and the state is a primary step to construct fashions of early detection, prevention, and more healthy habits,” he mentioned.

Revealed – September 16, 2025 02:52 am IST