World Health Day 2025, observed on April 7, highlights the importance of universal access to quality healthcare. This year’s theme, “My Health, My Right”, emphasizes that everyone, everywhere deserves the right to health—regardless of age, gender, or income. It calls attention to global health inequalities and the urgent need for stronger health systems, early interventions, and preventive care.
From ensuring proper nutrition in early childhood to addressing mental health and chronic diseases, the focus is on creating healthier communities. Early childhood nutrition lays the foundation for a healthy life. During the first five years, a child’s brain develops rapidly, and proper nutrition fuels this growth. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients strengthens immunity, supports physical development, and enhances cognitive abilities. Malnutrition at this stage can lead to stunted growth, learning difficulties, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. On the other hand, well-nourished children are more likely to perform better in school, grow into healthier adults, and contribute productively to society. Simply put, investing in early nutrition is investing in a stronger, healthier future.
On World Health Day we at TOI Lifestyle spoke to Dr. Mehul Sindha (Consultant – Paediatrics, Sterling Hospitals, Gurukul, Ahmedabad) on the importance of early childhood nutrition and what are its long term role.
