The State Public Health Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with All India Institute of Medical Sciences Nagpur to strengthen the prevention and management of childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The initiative will receive strategic and technical support from UNICEF Maharashtra.
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, MLA Nana Patole, UNICEF Maharashtra Chief Sanjay Singh, and other dignitaries formalised the agreement.
Rising Burden of Childhood NCDs
In recent years, India has witnessed a growing burden of childhood NCDs, including obesity, type 1 diabetes, and asthma. Consequently, the early onset of these conditions is leading to long-term health complications and increased economic strain. This trend has highlighted the urgent need for structured and preventive interventions.
Systems-Based Collaborative Approach
To address this challenge, the collaboration adopts a systems-based approach. Under this framework, AIIMS Nagpur will function as a technical centre of excellence. Meanwhile, UNICEF Maharashtra will facilitate strategic coordination by convening partners, co-developing solutions, and enabling large-scale implementation within government systems.
Key Components of the Initiative
Importantly, the initiative outlines several targeted interventions. It will develop evidence-based Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) for six priority childhood NCDs: type 1 diabetes, asthma, obesity, mental health conditions, congenital heart disease, and sickle cell disease.
In addition, the programme will establish paediatric NCD clinics across 10 district hospitals. It will also focus on capacity building of public health functionaries in pilot districts. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen community-level screening and referral systems to ensure early detection and timely care.
Bridging Clinical Expertise and Public Health Delivery
As reported by TOI, Dr. Prashant Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, emphasised that the initiative effectively aligns clinical expertise with public health delivery systems. As a result, it will help develop scalable and sustainable models of care.
Driving Integrated and Equitable Child Healthcare
Moreover, UNICEF Maharashtra played a key role in designing the initiative by bringing together government bodies, technical institutions, and partners. This collaborative effort focuses on delivering integrated and equitable healthcare services.
Overall, the MoU establishes a strong framework for institutionalising childhood NCD care within public health systems. At the same time, it significantly strengthens Maharashtra’s response to emerging child health priorities.