Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 13: The State Public Health Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with All India Institute of Medical Sciences Nagpur to strengthen prevention and management of childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with strategic and technical support from UNICEF Maharashtra.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, MLA Nana Patole, and UNICEF Maharashtra Chief Sanjay Singh, among other dignitaries.
The initiative comes amid a rising burden of childhood NCDs in India, including Type 1 Diabetes, Asthma, and Obesity, which are increasingly being diagnosed at an early age, leading to long-term health complications and economic strain.
To address the challenge, the collaboration adopts a systems-based approach, under which AIIMS Nagpur will serve as a technical centre of excellence, while UNICEF Maharashtra will coordinate efforts, co-develop solutions, and support large-scale implementation within government systems.
The initiative includes development of evidence-based Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) for six priority conditions—type 1 diabetes, asthma, obesity, mental health disorders, congenital heart disease, and Sickle Cell Disease. It also proposes setting up paediatric NCD clinics in 10 district hospitals, alongside capacity building of public health staff in pilot districts.
Additionally, the programme aims to strengthen community-level screening and referral mechanisms to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Prashant Joshi, said the initiative bridges clinical expertise with public health delivery, enabling development of scalable and sustainable care models.
Officials noted that UNICEF Maharashtra played a key role in designing the initiative by bringing together government bodies, technical institutions, and partners to deliver integrated and equitable child healthcare.
The MoU is expected to institutionalise childhood NCD care within the public health system and significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s response to emerging child health challenges.