NEW DELHI: A recent government report reveals that over a third of children aged 5-9 in India could suffer from high triglycerides, a serious health concern linked to increased heart disease risk. The report highlights alarming prevalence rates in Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and various northeastern states.
According to the report, which the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released at the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) on September 25 in Chandigarh, 67 per cent of children surveyed in West Bengal exhibited high triglyceride levels. Other states with concerning numbers include Sikkim at 64 per cent, Nagaland at 55 per cent, Assam at 57 per cent, and Jammu and Kashmir at 50 per cent.
On the contrary, Kerala and Maharashtra reported the lowest prevalence of high triglycerides among this age group, with figures standing at 16.6 per cent and 19.1 per cent, respectively. This stark contrast raises questions about regional health disparities and the factors contributing to higher triglyceride levels in specific areas.
The report, titled ‘Children in India 2025’, is the fourth edition published since 2008. It provides a detailed analysis of children’s well-being across multiple dimensions, including nutrition, education, and health. The data, compiled from various governmental sources like the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 and the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18, underscores the urgent need for nationwide health initiatives.
One of the most concerning findings relates to neonatal mortality. The report states that prematurity and low birth weight represent the leading cause of death among newborns within the first 29 days of life, with a national prevalence of 48 per cent. Following closely are birth asphyxia — lack of sufficient oxygen at birth — and trauma during delivery, accounting for 16 per cent and 9 per cent of fatalities, respectively.
The report also indicates that around 5 per cent of India’s teenagers are hypertensive, with the highest prevalence observed in Delhi at 10 per cent. Other states with notable hypertension rates include Uttar Pradesh (8.6 per cent), Manipur (8.3 per cent), and Chhattisgarh (7 per cent). Furthermore, the report estimates that over 16 per cent of adolescents exhibit high triglycerides.
In addition to health statistics, the report addresses education and child protection issues. It reveals that literacy rates among children and adolescents in India stand at 63.1 per cent overall. Among those aged seven and above, literacy increases to 73.1 per cent, showcasing progress in educational initiatives.
The data presents a positive outlook for male literacy, with over 80 per cent of boys aged 7-9 being literate. The figures are even higher for boys aged 10-14 at 92 per cent and 91 per cent for those aged 15-19. Meanwhile, female literacy rates reflect a similar upward trend. Approximately 81.2 per cent of girls aged 7-9 are literate, alongside 90 per cent of girls aged 10-14 and 86.2 per cent of girls aged 15-19, indicating substantial gains in girls’ education.
Overall, this report not only presents a concerning picture of children’s health in India but also emphasizes the importance of targeted policies aimed at improving the well-being of the nation’s youth. As India moves toward achieving its developmental goals, addressing health risks like high triglycerides in children becomes increasingly crucial.
