Nagpur: To address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among children, the Maharashtra government has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, according to an official statement.

The initiative will see the state public health department and AIIMS Nagpur work jointly on the early identification, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of childhood NCDs.

Officials noted that the initiative will target conditions such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart disorders, sickle cell disease, obesity and mental health issues, which are increasingly being reported among children in the state, news agency UNI reported.

The programme also aims to enhance the existing healthcare system by focusing on capacity building, training of medical personnel and improving access to essential healthcare services at the district level.

Authorities emphasised that the initiative will prioritise preventive healthcare and early intervention, highlighting that many diseases in adulthood stem from risk factors developed during childhood, including poor diet, sedentary habits and unhealthy lifestyles.

The collaboration will also involve community-based outreach, awareness drives and data-led strategies to identify at-risk children and ensure timely medical support.

Experts have flagged childhood NCDs as a rising public health concern in Maharashtra, underlining the need for coordinated efforts between government bodies and premier medical institutions to effectively tackle the issue.

Source: Medical Dialogues - April 12,2026