Pediatrics Department at AIIMS Nagpur inaugurated Center of Excellence for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in children on 12^th March, 2025. ln his inaugural address, Prof Dr Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Nagpur, highlighted the importance of addressing all the issues which begin in childhood and lead to NCDs in adults. He said “Risk factors for many adult diseases start operating in early childhood. Lack of physical activity, unhealthy dietary habits and increased screen- time should be tackled in childhood. AIIMS Nagpur Pediatrics Department has taken a great step by taking this initiative". The project is supported by UNICEF Maharashtra and the inaugural function was attended by national and international officials from UNICEF. This initiative is a first of its kind in the region and will immensely benefit children with problems of non -communicable disorders like Sickle cell disease, Autism and other Childhood Developmental disorders, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Congenital & Rheumatic Heart disease, Childhood Mental disorders and childhood Asthma & Allergy. Dr Vivek Singh, Chief of Health a.i., UNICEF lndia, attended the inaugural function appreciated AIIMS Nagpur for taking this initiative. He said "Maharashtra is one of the nine states where UNICEF is planning to support programs for NCDs including liaison, capacity building and action-based research. We plan to develop a hub and spoke model and are happy to collaborate with AIIMS which will serve as the technical resource center for not only Maharashtra but also for neighboring states". "Vidarbha is home to one third of Maharashtra’s population" and establishment of a CoE here would go a long way in capacity enhancement of health system in 11 adjoining districts, action research to guide nuanced implementation, mentoring support through hub spoke model," commented Mr.Sanjay Singh, Chief UNICEF Maharashtra. Dr Mangesh Gadhari, Health Specialist, UNICEF explained the burden of NCDs in Maharashtra, the objectives of the CoE at AIIMS Nagpur and future plans and deliverables for childhood NCDs in Maharashtra.

Dr Simin lrani, Senior Consultant and renowned neonatologist was present at the inauguration. She elaborated on the theory of change in context of childhood NCDs. "25% of newborns are small and vulnerable. Due to inadequate nutrition inside womb, their genes undergo a permanent adaptation to low energy supply. When they get excess food in childhood, caregivers may feel happy that the growth parameters are catching up. However, this is actually the start of the adulthood NCDs", she said. 

Dr Akash Bang, Professor of Pediatrics at AIIMS Nagpur and Project Lead on Sickle Cell Disease observed that 2 billion children and adolescents below 20 years of age suffer from NCDs, and 1 million die every year, 85% of these deaths happen in LMIC countries like India. The mandate of UNICEF and AIIMS is the same in this context.

Dr Meenakshi Girish, Professor and Head of Pediatrics at AIIMS Nagpur and the Project ln-charge of the CoE, presented to the gathering, the strength and services offered by the department including specialty services, public initiatives, collaborations with NGOs, public health departments and other institutes. She mentioned the ongoing research activities currently undertaken by department of pediatrics and explained the future plans that will be undertaken by the CoE. This initiative will boost the efforts of the institute especially in Sickle Cell Disease, since AIIMS Nagpur is already recognized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Gol as Center of Competence for Sickle Cell Disease, she said.

Former National President of lndian Academy of Pediatrics and Executed Director of COMHAD, UK from Nagpur, Dr Uday Bodhankar and current National President, lndian Academy of Pediatrics, Dr Vasant Khalatkar along with important office bearers of the central IAP lent their support by attending this special occasion.

A collaboration meeting was held in the board room before the inauguration ceremony which was attended by national and international officials from USA and other countries including officials from UNICEF South Asia region, National and State chiefs; officials from UNICEF Donors; officials from AIIMS Nagpur including the Medical Superintendent Dr Seema Parvekar. Dr Urmila Dahake, Additional Professor, proposed vote of thanks.

Specialist from the Department of Pediatrics AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Akash Bang, Dr Urmila Dahake, Dr Abhijit Choudhary, Dr Abhishek Madhura, Dr Shikha Jain, Dr Supriya Kushwah, Dr Rupali Rokade, Dr. Balkishan Choudhari and Dr Sreelakshmi from Psychiatry will take lead in running the weekly NCD clinics on Sickle cell disease, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Congenital & Rheumatic Heart Disease, Child Development, Asthma & Allergy and Childhood & Adolescent Mental Health. A patient booklet on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in children was released at the hands of Executive Director Dr Prashant Joshi, Dr Vivek Singh, Mr Sanjay Singh, Dr Vasant Khalatkar and Dr Uday Bodhankar.

All the dignitaries appreciated the informative posters displayed for education of the patients and caregivers at the NCD clinic. "This is the beginning of a new collaboration that will benefit everyone including children," commented Dr Uday Bodhankar.