Health experts have warned that sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time and unhealthy dietary habits are driving a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes and mental health disorders among children in urban areas. In contrast, children in tribal and rural regions of western and central India continue to face challenges due to limited access to diagnosis and specialist healthcare.
Experts noted that many childhood NCDs often go undetected until complications arise, regardless of whether children live in rural, tribal or urban settings.
To improve awareness and reporting on the issue, over 30 journalists from western India participated in a two-day media capacity-building workshop on childhood NCDs, which concluded on Tuesday at AIIMS Nagpur. The workshop was jointly organised by UNICEF India, the Press Information Bureau (Western Zone) and AIIMS Nagpur.
During the programme, participants received first-hand exposure to the diagnosis, treatment and management of childhood NCDs. The workshop focused on the growing risk of these diseases among children aged 5–9 years and adolescents aged 10–19 years.
AIIMS Nagpur Executive Director Dr Prashant Joshi said childhood NCDs often develop over a long period and begin early in life, making timely diagnosis, continuous care and a strong public health system essential.
He added that AIIMS Nagpur is committed to developing scalable models of care and emphasised that the media can play a vital role in helping families recognise early symptoms and seek timely treatment.
UNICEF India’s Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership, Zafrin Chowdhury, highlighted the media’s role in raising awareness about childhood NCDs.
Smita Vats Sharma, Director General of the Press Information Bureau (Western Zone), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said responsible public health reporting helps build awareness and encourages action by presenting evidence-based information on emerging health challenges affecting children.
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