AIIMS Nagpur to anchor Maharashtra’s first system-wide childhood NCD response

New MoU aims to improve care for childhood diseases in Maharashtra. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AIIMS Nagpur to improve prevention and treatment of childhood Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) today, with strategic and technical support from UNICEF Maharashtra. The agreement was signed at Aarogya Bhavan in Mumbai by the Public Health Department.

The agreement aims to respond to the growing burden of diseases such as childhood obesity, Type 1 diabetes, asthma, mental health conditions, congenital heart disease and sickle cell disease. Health officials noted that early onset of these diseases can lead to long-term health problems as well as economic challenges.

Key leaders present at the signing

The MoU was signed in the presence of several senior leaders, including honourable Health Minister Shri Prakash Abitkar and MLA Shri Nana Patole.

Senior officials from the state health system, Member of Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra, and senior leadership from the Government of Maharashtra, including Dr. Nipun Vinayak, IAS, Secretary Health, Dr. Kadambari Balkawade, IAS, Commissioner, Health Services and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Mumbai and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Chief of UNICEF Maharashtra.

AIIMS Nagpur and UNICEF roles in the initiative

Under the agreement, AIIMS Nagpur will act as a technical centre of excellence, supporting clinical expertise and guideline development.

UNICEF Maharashtra will provide strategic support by bringing together stakeholders, helping design solutions, and supporting implementation within government systems.

Dr. Prashant Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, said the initiative combines clinical expertise with public health delivery to create models that can be scaled across the state.

Key focus areas and the long-term vision of the programme

The initiative will focus on strengthening childhood NCD care through several major steps:

1. Development of 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
2. Setting up paediatric NCD clinics in 10 district hospitals
3. Training and capacity building of health workers in selected districts
4. Strengthening screening and referral systems at the community level
5. Building a stronger public health system for children

Officials said the partnership is designed as a system-based approach, meaning it will improve not just treatment but also early detection, referral, and long-term care within the public health system.

UNICEF Maharashtra highlighted that the initiative focuses on integrated and equitable healthcare for children, ensuring that services reach communities more effectively.

The MoU is expected to help institutionalise childhood NCD care within Maharashtra's public health system. It also aims to improve the state's response to emerging child health challenges and reduce long-term disease burden among children.