A.2. Disease Burden of India
Non-communicable diseases |
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are a major burden in India. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for more than 70% of all deaths in India. The leading causes of NCD-related deaths in India are cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancer and diabetes. |
Infectious diseases |
Infectious diseases are also a significant burden in India. According to data from the WHO, the leading causes of infectious disease-related deaths in India are lower respiratory infections, followed by diarrhoeal diseases and HIV/AIDS. |
Malnutrition |
Malnutrition is a major public health problem in India, with a large portion of the population suffering from malnutrition. According to data from the WHO, 38% of children under the age of five in India are stunted (too short for their age), which is a sign of chronic malnutrition. In addition, 20% of children under the age of five are underweight, and 21% are wasted (too thin for their height). |
Tuberculosis |
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in India. According to data from the WHO, India has the highest burden of TB in the world, with 2.7 million cases reported in 2020. TB is the leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths in India, accounting for over 400,000 deaths in 2020. |
Mental health |
Mental health is also a significant burden in India. According to data from the WHO, the prevalence of mental health disorders in India is around 10%, with common disorders including depression and anxiety. However, the availability of mental health services in India is limited, with just 0.06% of the total healthcare budget allocated to mental health. |
India faces a significant burden of disease, with NCDs, infectious diseases, malnutrition, TB, and mental health all major public health challenges. Addressing these diseases will require significant efforts to improve public health infrastructure, increase access to quality healthcare, and address the underlying social and economic determinants of health.