More than 6 Million Children in Maharashtra Living with Non-Communicable Diseases, Say Experts

Silent Epidemic: Childhood NCDs on the Rise

MUMBAI — Experts say that more than 6 million children in Maharashtra are living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — such as asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and congenital heart conditions — painting a worrying picture of a “silent epidemic” in the state. 

At a recent workshop on childhood NCDs, Maharashtra’s Public Health Department Secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak emphasised that expanding school-based screening, ensuring free access to essential medicines, and improving district-level care are urgent priorities. 

Breakdown of the Numbers

According to official estimates, the burden of childhood NCDs in Maharashtra includes:

Around 3.3 million children with asthma 

2.4 million overweight children, including those classified as obese 

2,000 new cases of type 1 diabetes each year 

20,000–25,000 cases of congenital heart disease among children

Conditions once considered adult illnesses are now increasingly common in younger age groups — a shift attributed to lifestyle changes, poor diet, sedentary habits, and insufficient early intervention. 

Early Intervention and Screening: A State Response

To tackle the growing burden, the Maharashtra government is scaling up early screening programmes under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and other child health initiatives. 

Dr Vinayak highlighted the importance of preventive care starting from pregnancy and at primary health centres, noting that many NCDs can be mitigated or avoided with timely action and lifestyle modifications. 

Additionally, the establishment of a paediatric NCD clinic at AIIMS Nagpur, supported by UNICEF Maharashtra, is seen as a critical step for early diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic conditions in children. 

Broader Implications: Health, Education, and Equity

Health experts warn that childhood NCDs not only pose long-term health risks but also carry heavy social and economic burdens. Children affected by chronic conditions may face school absenteeism, discrimination, and financial hardship for their families. 3

UNICEF Maharashtra’s Chief, Sanjay Singh, described the situation as “one of the most pressing but under-recognised challenges of our time,” and called for a holistic, equity-focused strategy to reach marginalized communities. 

Looking Ahead

As Maharashtra responds with expanded screening and integrated care, experts say success will depend on sustained prevention efforts, public awareness, nutrition interventions, physical activity promotion, and early risk detection. They stress that interventions beginning in pregnancy and early childhood are crucial for reversing the trend of childhood NCDs.

“No child should miss school or feel isolated because of a disease that can be managed with the right care. Children’s health defines the state’s future,” remarked Dr Prashant Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur.