India's UNESCO Chair Representative Calls For Integrating Health Education Into NIPUN Bharat

In light of escalating environmental challenges and growing concerns over public health, Rahul Mehra, National Representative of India, UNESCO Chair for Global Health & Education, during his recent visit to India called for the integration of structured health education into NIPUN (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) Bharat. This flagship initiative by the Government of India, designed to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy for all children by grade three, focuses on activity-based, play-oriented learning to promote essential skills. It has recently seen expanded implementation across states like Uttar Pradesh. Mehra highlighted that incorporating health education into the programme’s framework could significantly enhance children’s holistic development while addressing critical gaps in physical and mental well-being.

NIPUN Bharat, launched under Samagra Shiksha and in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasises foundational skills as a critical component of early education. However, Mehra pointed out that NEP 2020, while recognising health as an interdisciplinary area, falls short of recommending it as a mandatory subject. “The foundational years are a critical period for instilling lifelong healthy habits,” Mehra stated. “Health education should be treated with the same importance as literacy and numeracy to ensure that children are equipped to thrive in every aspect of life.”

To implement this, Dr Mehra proposed several systemic changes. A key recommendation is the development of a cadre of trained and certified health educators to deliver structured health lessons. He further advocated that schools dedicate 80-90 minutes weekly to health education using innovative teaching methods that not only impart knowledge but also instill lasting behavioural changes. Schools must also ensure students remain physically active for at least 60 minutes daily, provide regular health monitoring for conditions like anaemia and obesity and involve parents through periodic sessions to promote healthy habits at home. Mehra highlighted that school canteens should exclusively serve nutritious meals to reinforce these teachings.

Mehra pointed out that India lags behind other nations in health metrics. According to WHO, the average number of years an Indian can expect to live in full health without disease or injury is only 60 years, compared to 74 years in Japan and 69 years in China. He noted that poor health not only limits individual potential but also impacts the nation’s productivity, pushing millions below the poverty line due to high medical expenses. Drawing attention to cultural practices in countries like Japan, where healthy habits are ingrained from an early age, he emphasised the need to instill similar values in Indian children through structured health education. 

He also stressed the importance of preventative healthcare in broader societal contexts. Including preventative healthcare in the training of physicians and nurses, offering annual free health check-ups as part of the central or state budgets and incentivising individuals with healthy biometrics through reduced health insurance premiums were among his recommendations. He underscored that such measures, combined with school-level interventions, could drive a generational shift towards healthier living. 

Mehra further noted that while the National Education Policy 2020 includes health as an interdisciplinary area, it does not recommend it as a compulsory subject, which could dilute its focus. He urged policymakers to adopt a comprehensive school health programme in every school, aligned with NIPUN Bharat’s goals, to provide children with the foundation for realising their full potential. “Parents too must become advocates for health education in schools, demanding structured programmes that prepare their children for a healthier and more productive future,” he added.