[Answered] To reach SDG 3, India needs more focus. Examine how making health education compulsory in schools can be a key policy tool for addressing public health issues and promoting well-being.

Introduction

India ranks 99 in the 2025 SDG Index, yet lags on SDG 3 targets—MMR, child mortality, and life expectancy. Compulsory health education in schools can reshape preventive healthcare and long-term public well-being.

India’s SDG 3 Challenge

1. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 97 per 100,000 live births (target: 70).
2. Under-five mortality: 32 per 1,000 live births (target: 25).
3. Life expectancy: 70 years (short of target 73.6).
4. Out-of-pocket expenditure: 13% of consumption, nearly double the SDG target of 7.83%.
5. Immunisation: 93.23% vs. 100% target.

Persistent gaps reflect poor preventive care, limited awareness, and inadequate health-seeking behavior, particularly in rural and tribal populations.

Why Health Education in Schools Matters

Early Habit Formation

1. Health behaviours developed in school years influence adulthood.
2. WHO (2022): 70% of non-communicable diseases are preventable with early lifestyle interventions.
3. Educated mothers contribute to improved child health, reducing intergenerational malnutrition and maternal deaths.

Prevention over Cure

1. Preventive health is more cost-effective than treatment.
2. Lancet Public Health (2020): Every $1 invested in preventive health saves $7 in future treatment costs.
3. Lessons on hygiene, reproductive health, and nutrition can cut morbidity significantly.

International Case Studies

1. Finland (1970s): School health curricula reduced cardiovascular deaths by embedding lifestyle awareness.
2. Japan: Compulsory health lessons improved hygiene and life expectancy (now 84 years, among the highest globally).
3. Thailand: Integrated health education linked to reduced adolescent pregnancies.

Public Health Issues Addressed

1. Nutrition & Malnutrition: Strengthens fight against India’s 35.5% stunting prevalence (NFHS-5).
2. Mental Health: Awareness curbs stigma; relevant as 14% of youth experience depression (ICMR, 2022).
3. Road Safety: Lessons can reduce accidents, which currently kill 1.5 lakh annually (MoRTH 2023).
4. Reproductive Health: Reduces teenage pregnancies and maternal risks.

Link to Broader Health Systems

1. School health education complements Ayushman Bharat–School Health Programme, which deploys trained teachers as “Health and Wellness Ambassadors.”
2. Aligns with National Education Policy (2020) that advocates experiential and holistic learning, including health literacy.
3. Can be synergized with digital health tools (telemedicine, e-health records) to bridge rural access gaps.

Way Forward

1. Structured Curriculum: Nutrition, hygiene, mental health, reproductive health, and first aid as graded modules.
2. Teacher Training: Invest in capacity building of educators as health mentors.
3. Parent–Community Participation: Encourage accountability through School Management Committees.
4. Policy Convergence: Integrate with National Health Mission, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Fit India Movement.
5. Monitoring Outcomes: Link to SDG dashboards with measurable indicators like reduced anaemia and improved adolescent BMI.

Conclusion

As Amartya Sen’s Development as Freedom reminds us, education expands capabilities. Embedding health education in schools empowers youth, accelerates SDG 3 progress, and lays the foundation for a healthier, resilient India.