Non-Communicable Diseases Rising Among Children and Adolescents in Karnali Province

Surkhet. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been affecting children and adolescents in Karnali in recent years. According to data from Karnali Province Hospital, Surkhet, patients under the age of 20 are seeking treatment at the hospital for NCDs.

Surgeon Dr. Subas Sharma of the hospital informed that 950 children under twenty years old are undergoing treatment related to mental illness. "Among them, individuals with problems such as psychosis and autism are seen more frequently. The increase in mental health issues at a young age is a worrying matter," he said.

According to Dr. Sharma, 27 children with heart-related diseases, 10 with diabetes, 10 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, five with asthma, and one with cancer are currently receiving treatment. He stated that an unhealthy lifestyle, increased use of junk food, lack of physical activity, mental stress, and excessive use of digital devices have increased the risk of NCDs in children.

Dr. Sharma emphasized the necessity of timely health check-ups, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and cooperation between families and schools regarding mental health. He added that a balanced lifestyle and diet are appropriate solutions to the problem.

Meanwhile, there is data showing that 180 individuals from Birendranagar Municipality have been recommended for medical treatment for impoverished citizens. Stakeholders stressed the need to spread awareness about NCDs in children to every village.

Participants at the co-creation workshop organized by UNICEF and SoSEC Nepal in Birendranagar, in coordination with Birendranagar Municipality, emphasized that relevant bodies should launch campaigns to raise awareness about NCDs.

Deepika Shrestha from UNICEF thanked Birendranagar Municipality for successfully completing the co-creation process by bringing various stakeholders together on a sensitive issue like child health. She stated that NCDs seen in children are deeply connected not only to health but also to education, nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle. She stressed the need to conduct awareness programs in every village.

Birendranagar Municipality Deputy Mayor Nilkantha Khanal stated that awareness regarding NCDs is necessary and that the municipality has been conducting various programs. Karnali Province Social Development Minister Ghanshyam Bhandari stated that work should be done to make people aware of NCDs in children. He committed that policy arrangements would be made regarding this issue and programs would be operated across the province starting next year. Representatives from various stakeholder bodies participated in the program.