When we hear the words non-communicable diseases (NCDs), most of us think of adults living with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or respiratory illnesses. But a more unsettling reality is emerging – children are increasingly affected by NCDs. This silent crisis, an “invisible epidemic”, is unfolding in our homes, schools, and communities, yet it remains largely invisible in policy discussions.

NCDs account for 71% deaths globally, and nearly two out of three deaths in India. Unlike infectious diseases, they do not spread from one child to another. Instead, they emerge from a mix of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. For children, this means more than just a diagnosis; it becomes part of daily life. Insulin injections before school, breathlessness while playing, fatigue that hampers learning, or stigma in classrooms are lived experiences that quietly........

© Free Press Journal