In a world that’s constantly changing, public health systems worldwide are grappling with new and existing challenges like never before. From the rise of non-communicable diseases to mental health crisis, the factors causing major health issues are varied and require immediate action from policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and global citizens.
One of the major concerns in 2025 was the rise of infectious diseases, attributing to factors like climate change, frequent travel, new viruses, and more. These infections spread quickly, and while existing ones already pose a problem, new viruses are also threatening and a cause of concern. Some of them include respiratory infections, tuberculosis, dengue, and mosquito-borne infections.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are not just affecting the elderly but also young adults. Cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer have increased significantly owing to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diets, and even air pollution. Even poor mental health is a contributor. This makes effective prevention strategies and health promotion programmes the need of the hour.
The pandemic may have contributed significantly to mental health disorders which have increased at an alarming rate. Depression, anxiety and substance use have become commonplace. Most people don’t seek treatment and wait for the ‘phase’ to pass. Making mental health services more accessible and integrated with primary care systems, creating awareness and reducing stigma are possible solutions to manage the crisis.
Climate change is simply the shift in global temperature and weather patterns over a period of time. While there are natural occurrences, most damage has been attributed to human activities, particularly deforestation, industrial processes, and use of fossil fuels. These affect not only the environment but also life on earth. Smog and air pollution exceeding safe limits are some of the concerns. It impacts humans, as it causes autoimmune and chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory problems, and more.
AMR is becoming a critical global health concern driven by the misuse or overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, leading to drug-resistant infections. The germs spread easily through travel, food and shared environments, and become more difficult and costly to treat. While the potential of AI to help with diagnostics and treatment strategies is being studied, it also needs better surveillance mechanisms and investment in the research and development of new treatment options.
While there are environmental factors responsible, such as air pollution, it cannot be denied that choc-a-block schedules have led to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and stress, contributing to the rise of lifestyle diseases. Rapid urban growth has also resulted in overcrowded living conditions. For a healthy life, awareness, education, and proper urban planning with green cover should be prioritised.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
