UNICEF, PIB & AIIMS Nagpur Conduct Media Workshop to Boost Reporting on Childhood NCDs

On 14 July 2026 , over 30 journalists from Western India attended a two‑day capacity‑building workshop at AIIMS Nagpur. The event, co‑organized by UNICEF India, the PIB (Western Zone) and AIIMS, aimed to improve media coverage of childhood NCDs . Accurate reporting can raise awareness, encourage early detection and influence public policy. Key Developments Journalists received hands‑on exposure to diagnosis, treatment and long‑term care of childhood NCDs at the Centre of Excellence in AIIMS Nagpur. Speakers highlighted rising NCD risk among children aged 5‑9 and adolescents 10‑19, especially in tribal, rural and urban settings. The Government of Maharashtra signed an MoU with AIIMS Nagpur, with UNICEF support, to scale up prevention and management of childhood NCDs across the state. Media participants were introduced to government data sources such as NFHS, SRS, and the POSHAN‑tracker for evidence‑based reporting. The workshop will continue with activities leading up to the national NCD Week in September 2026. Important Facts • Childhood NCDs are emerging as a public‑health priority in both tribal/rural areas (limited diagnostic access) and urban centres (obesity, diabetes, mental health). • Early symptoms often go unnoticed, leading to complications later. • AIIMS Nagpur is designated as the technical Centre of Excellence for childhood NCDs in Maharashtra. • UNICEF’s role includes advocacy, partnership building and resource mobilisation for child health programmes. UPSC Relevance The workshop touches on several GS topics: health governance (role of ministries, AIIMS, UNICEF), disease burden trends (NCD epidemiology), policy implementation (MoU, state‑central collaboration), and data‑driven reporting (NFHS, SRS, POSHAN‑tracker). Understanding these linkages helps aspirants answer questions on public‑health challenges, inter‑agency coordination and the importance of media in policy advocacy. Way Forward • Strengthen early‑screening mechanisms in schools and primary health centres. • Expand the network of Centres of Excellence to replicate AIIMS Nagpur’s model. • Encourage journalists to use government data portals for factual health stories. • Continue capacity‑building workshops and integrate them with national health campaigns like NCD Week. • Monitor impact through feedback from media houses and changes in public awareness.