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Public Health Challenges in India: Dual Burden of Disease

Social Justice & Development

  • PYQs6
  • Articles1
I

Background

This concept is critical for understanding India's health sector, policy formulation (e.g., National Health Policy, Ayushman Bharat), implications for the demographic dividend, and progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being.

India faces a complex public health landscape characterized by a 'dual burden of disease,' where persistent issues of undernutrition (stunting, wasting) coexist with a rapidly rising prevalence of overnutrition (obesity) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension. This poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and human development.

II

Facts & tables

Rising Obesity
Obesity rates are rising significantly (e.g., 22.9% to 27.3% for men, 24% to 30.7% for women in 3 years, as per NFHS-6).
Persistent Malnutrition
Malnutrition persists, with a decline in exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months (from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8% in NFHS-6).
Growing NCD Burden
Lifestyle diseases (NCDs) are a growing concern, often linked to diet and lack of exercise, requiring comprehensive screening and health system bolstering.
Impact on Demographic Transition
The dual burden impacts India's demographic transition, potentially leading to a 'greying nation' with increased healthcare demands for chronic conditions.
India's Dual Public Health Burden (NFHS-5 vs NFHS-6)
Indicator NFHS-5 (approx) NFHS-6 (approx)
Obesity (Men) 22.9% 27.3%
Obesity (Women) 24% 30.7%
Exclusive Breastfeeding 63.7% 55.8%
Static syllabus anchors
Type Reference
Conceptual area Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Institutions & roles
Body Role
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Formulates and implements public health policies
III

Prelims angle

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

  • Dual burden: Coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition/NCDs.
  • NFHS-6 shows rising obesity, declining exclusive breastfeeding.
  • NCDs (lifestyle diseases) are a growing concern.
  • Requires policy focus on screening, behavior change, taxation, health system strengthening.
  • Impacts demographic transition and human capital.
High-confidence PYQ links
Year Framing tags
2024 Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
2023 Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures
2023 Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis
2022 Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
2022 Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
2017 Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Timeline

  1. Welfare Schemes & Social Policies

    Conceptual area

  2. Prelims 2017

    Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

  3. Prelims 2022

    Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

  4. Prelims 2022

    Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

  5. Prelims 2023

    Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

  6. Prelims 2023

    Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

  7. Prelims 2024

    Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

  8. ​Joy and pain: On the NFHS-6 data

    India's public health faces a 'dual burden' of persistent malnutrition and rising obesity/NCDs, requiring comprehensive policy interventions in diet, exercise, and healthcare infrastructure.

See also

Public Health Challenges in India: Dual Burden of Disease
National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

Past papers

In the news

thehindu.com

​Joy and pain: On the NFHS-6 data

India's public health faces a 'dual burden' of persistent malnutrition and rising obesity/NCDs, requiring comprehensive policy interventions in diet, exercise, and healthcare infrastructure.

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Which of the statements given above is/are correct?