The sanitation and cleanliness in India are not up to the mark. Due to the absence of a robust waste management system and plan, a common Indian suffers the consequences. Waste lying everywhere, overflowing gutters, etc., make Indians very susceptible to various health issues. Moreover, as the country’s population is still not under control, they become grave with each passing day.
Reasons for poor health? Who suffers the most?
The most prominent targets of these loopholes are people living below the poverty line. Slum-dwellers, living in very poor and unhealthy living conditions bear the brunt.
Furthermore, the supply of contaminated water and unhealthy food in various parts of the county worsens health conditions. The rate at which foodborne and waterborne infections in India are spreading is very alarming.
What makes it worse is the fact that these people do not have accessibility to proper treatment. No doctor consultation and no health insurance pull them down into the dungeons of poor health, pitiable living standards, and more poverty.
It was not enough; pollution of land, water, and air has added to the agony. Due to air pollution, the incidences of respiratory issues are on the rise. Even people living in posh neighborhoods are at the receiving end.
All in all, the health standards of Indians are relatively low. It is problematic, and proper measures should be taken to deal with the root issues.
In this article, we will introduce you to the most common health issues prevalent in India.
Most common health issues in India
- Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the most common health issue that is prevalent in India. The biggest reason behind it is the supply of contaminated water and food.
Diarrhea affects the alimentary canal, i.e., stomach and intestines. It leads to problems in the digestive tract causing dysentery, nausea, vomiting, and resultant dehydration. Reports say that diarrhea is more common among kids and can lead to serious consequences.
Consuming clean food and water is a way to avoid diarrhea. Drinking boiled water and taking only home-cooked food also prevent diarrhea. Eating out at places with low hygiene standards should not be practiced.
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- Hepatitis
Hepatitis is another common infection prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. It can be of two types- hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Both these kinds are common in India.
Hepatitis A is foodborne and waterborne, while type B hepatitis is hereditary or spread due to infected body fluids.
Hepatitis is one of the most challenging health issues and can lead to fatality if not treated on time.
It can be prevented with the help of oral as well as intravenous vaccinations.
- Malaria
Malaria is one of the most common health issues in India. It is caused due to mosquito bites.
Malaria prevails in areas with a poor drainage system. Due to poor hygiene and sanitation, mosquitoes breed at a high pace. Wastewater puddles, rotting waste, garbage, and open faeces are the common breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The female Anopheles mosquito transmits malaria. It bites during the night.
The best way to prevent the spread of malaria is by maintaining clean surroundings. Not letting water accumulate and using mosquito nets and repellent creams can help in arresting the spread of malaria.
- Typhoid
Typhoid is caused due to Salmonella typhi. It is a waterborne bacterial infection.
It is rare in developed countries and a common health issue in developing countries, especially for children.
Typhoid spreads through contaminated food, contaminated water, and close contact with the person who is already infected. It is characterized by high-grade fever, dehydration, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and fatigue.
The treatment line includes antibiotics and vaccination. Eating healthy, home-cooked food and drinking clean water prevents the incidences.
- AIDS/HIV
AIDS is counted among the most common health issues in India. It is a dangerous infection caused by HIV or the human immunodeficiency virus. The virus weakens the immune system.
AIDS spread through unsafe sex, contact with contaminated fluid, or the use of the same needles. Using the same tattoo needles can also cause HIV.
AIDS/HIV is still a taboo in India. It does not spread by touching or even kissing the affected person.
The bottom line
India is a developing country. It is still susceptible to health issues.
People should be educated about these health issues and be enlightened about protecting themselves against them.
