Nagpur, Jul 14 (PTI) Childhood non-communicable diseases in tribal and rural parts of western and central India often unfold alongside the limited access to diagnosis and specialist care, while urban centres are witnessing a parallel rise in conditions such as childhood obesity, diabetes and mental health disorders. These conditions are driven by sedentary lifestyles, screen time and dietary changes, according to health experts, adding that childhood conditions frequently remain undetected until complications develop, whether in rural, tribal or urban settings.
More than 30 media persons from Western India came together to strengthen coverage on childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at a two-day media capacity-building workshop that concluded on Tuesday at AIIMS, Nagpur, according to an official release.
The workshop was co-organised by UNICEF India, Press Information Bureau (Western Zone) and AIIMS Nagpur.
The release stated that during the workshop, the media persons gained direct exposure to how childhood NCDs are diagnosed, treated and managed.
It said the workshop was aimed at highlighting the rising risk of NCDs among children aged 5 to 9 and adolescents aged 10 to 19.
“Childhood non-communicable diseases have a long incubation period and start from childhood; hence, it is imperative and important to demand early diagnosis, continuous care and strong public health systems,” said Dr Prashant Joshi, the Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur.
He said AIIMS Nagpur is committed to developing models of care that can be scaled across the country, noting that the media can help families recognise symptoms early and encourage timely treatment.
Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership, UNICEF India, Zafrin Chowdhury, underlined the role of media in reporting childhood NCDs.
Smita Vats Sharma, Director General, PIB (Western Zone), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said, “Public health reporting shapes awareness and public action. Journalists have an important responsibility to present evidence-based information and tell stories that help citizens understand emerging health challenges affecting children.” PTI CLS NSK
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