NEW DELHI: A recent government report reveals that more than a third of India’s children aged 5-9 years may have high triglycerides, a concerning indication of future health risks. The findings, announced during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) on September 25 in Chandigarh, highlight alarming prevalence rates in Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and several northeastern states.
Approximately 67 percent of children in West Bengal and 64 percent in Sikkim exhibit high triglyceride levels. Other states report significant figures as well: 55 percent in Nagaland, 57 percent in Assam, and 50 percent in Jammu and Kashmir. Triglycerides, a type of blood fat, are known to increase the risk of heart disease later in life, demanding urgent attention.
In contrast, Kerala and Maharashtra showcase the lowest prevalence rates, with only 16.6 percent and 19.1 percent of children, respectively, affected by this health issue. The report, titled Children in India 2025, serves as a vital document in assessing child health across the nation.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released this report, marking the fourth edition of its findings since the initiative’s inception in 2008. The ministry described the report as providing a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the well-being of children in India, drawn from extensive data gathered through the National Family Health Survey 2019-21, and the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18.
Among other health concerns, the report highlights that prematurity and low birth weight remain the leading causes of death among newborns in the first 29 days of life, with a national prevalence rate estimated at 48 percent. Birth asphyxia and trauma during delivery follow as significant causes of neonatal mortality, with respective prevalences of 16 percent and 9 percent.
Furthermore, the report illustrates a worrying trend among adolescents. About five percent of teenagers in India are classified as hypertensive, with a notable prevalence of 10 percent in Delhi. The figures are also concerning in Uttar Pradesh (8.6 percent), Manipur (8.3 percent), and Chhattisgarh (7 percent). Alarmingly, over 16 percent of adolescents also struggle with high triglycerides.
The report encompasses various aspects beyond health, including data on education and the protection of children against crime. It reports an overall literacy rate of 63.1 percent among India’s children and adolescents, with 73.1 percent of children aged seven and above being literate. The literacy rates among boys and girls aged 7-9 are notable, standing at 80 percent and 81.2 percent, respectively. This trend continues with 92 percent of boys and 90 percent of girls aged 10-14 being literate, along with 91 percent of boys and 86.2 percent of girls aged 15-19.
The implications of these findings highlight a pressing need for targeted health interventions and public awareness campaigns to address the rising health issues among children in India. Mitigating high triglycerides can play a crucial role in securing a healthier future for the younger generations.
