Health

The usage of tobacco is one of the world's biggest public health challenges, directly linked to serious and often fatal conditions. Tobacco usage is declining globally and in India, but the patterns of its use will affect its trajectory.

Rates of obesity have grown sharply in India, especially among women and among the poorest households. At the same time, the way we measure obesity needs a re-examination.

The WHO recommends 44.5 doctors and nurses for every 10,000 people. While India is close to this threshold in aggregate terms, there are wide disparities in the availability of healthcare professionals between states and between the country's rural and urban areas.

Vaccines have played an essential role in reducing infant mortality in India. In this piece, we look at the vaccines currently given to children in India, their coverage, and identify gaps in the immunisation programme.

The number of children who do not survive until their first birthdays has fallen dramatically. Yet parts of the country have relatively high Infant Mortality Rates, and the first week of a child's life remains a time of high risk.

Indian children are among the shortest in the world. While the rates of child stunting have declined over time, a substantial share of Indian children, especially in poorer states and among marginalised groups, are stunted.

Indians are consuming more dairy, and spending more of their food budgets on dairy products. But wealth affects consumption and gender gaps persist.

Most Indians eat meat, and the share who eat meat is growing over time. Vegetarianism is more prevalent in some states and among some groups.

Road accidents are now the leading cause of death among young men in particular. Two-wheeler riders are at particular risk, and traffic violations play a major role.

India has made large strides in reducing the annual incidence of malaria and deaths from the disease. However, malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly in central and eastern states, and among young children.

From having maternal mortality rates well above the world average two decades ago, India has seen a sharp fall in the risk of death during pregnancy. Yet, regional disparities exist, and India is some distance from meeting international commitments.

India is in the midst of a key public health transition, with communicable diseases now accounting for a falling share of deaths.

India has higher than expected levels of anaemia. Could measurement be part of the explanation?