NEW DELHI: A staggering one-third of children aged 5-9 in India may have elevated levels of triglycerides, as highlighted in a recent government report. This disturbing statistic emerges from the report ‘Children in India 2025,’ released by the Ministry of Statistics on September 25, 2023, during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) in Chandigarh.
The report identified Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and several northeastern states, as regions with the highest prevalence of high triglyceride levels among children. More than 67 per cent of children in West Bengal exhibit elevated triglycerides, followed by 64 per cent in Sikkim, and 55 per cent in Nagaland. Assam reported 57 per cent and Jammu and Kashmir noted a concerning 50 per cent.
High triglyceride levels in children pose significant long-term health risks, including increased chances of heart disease. This issue underscores the urgent need for intervention in dietary and lifestyle habits among young Indians.
Conversely, Kerala and Maharashtra reported the lowest prevalence rates, with 16.6 per cent and 19.1 per cent of children affected, respectively. Such disparities highlight regional variations in child health and nutrition that require targeted policy responses.
The ‘Children in India 2025’ report, now in its fourth edition since 2008, aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of children’s well-being in the nation. The ministry stated that the report collated data from various government sources, including the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 and the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2016-18.
Among various health concerns, the report found that prematurity and low birth weight accounted for the largest share of newborn deaths, with a national prevalence rate of 48 per cent. Birth asphyxia and trauma during delivery contributed to 16 per cent and 9 per cent of neonatal fatalities, respectively, adding to the urgency for community health initiatives.
Notably, approximately five per cent of teenagers in India qualify as hypertensive. The report noted that Delhi observes the highest prevalence at 10 per cent, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh (8.6 per cent), Manipur (8.3 per cent), and Chhattisgarh (7 per cent). Furthermore, it revealed that over 16 per cent of adolescents face high triglyceride levels, heightening concerns over cardiovascular health in India’s youth.
The report not only delves into health metrics but also tackles socio-economic factors impacting child welfare. It highlights that education remains a critical area, with 63.1 per cent of Indian children and adolescents classified as literate. For children aged seven and above, literacy rates increase to 73.1 per cent, underscoring ongoing improvements in educational access.
Regarding gender, over 80 per cent of boys aged 7-9, 92 per cent of those aged 10-14, and 91 per cent of boys aged 15-19 exhibit literacy. In comparison, literacy rates for girls are 81.2 per cent for 7-9 year-olds, 90 per cent for 10-14 year-olds, and 86.2 per cent for 15-19 year-olds.
This report serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals in India, highlighting pressing health challenges and the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles among children. The government’s findings prompt a call to action for communities to foster better health outcomes for India’s future generations.
