UNICEF has joined forces with the West Bengal Health & Family Welfare Department to bring treatment for juvenile diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children closer to rural communities.
Juvenile diabetes, or Type 1 diabetes, occurs when a child’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring daily insulin injections. Addressing the issue, the initiative focuses on strengthening primary healthcare systems to prevent and manage such diseases.
Dr. Monjur Hossain, UNICEF’s chief in West Bengal, outlined the mission to create a primary healthcare model tailored to combat childhood NCDs. “Our goal is to ensure comprehensive care through robust community and primary healthcare systems,” he stated.
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As part of the plan, UNICEF will train healthcare providers, including medical officers, nurses, ASHA workers, and community health officers, on early detection and management of juvenile diabetes. “This training will also facilitate timely referrals to NCD clinics,” said Dr. Vandana Bhatia, a health specialist with UNICEF.
Currently, five districts—Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and East Burdwan—along with SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, operate NCD clinics treating nearly 600 children annually. The government has approved the establishment of clinics in 10 additional districts, with plans for statewide expansion.
National statistics highlight the urgency of the problem. According to the Young Diabetic Registry of India, five out of every 100,000 children are affected by juvenile diabetes. Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional DDG at the Union Health Ministry, attributed the rising prevalence of childhood NCDs to lifestyle changes, including increased consumption of junk food.
This partnership marks a significant step toward curbing the impact of juvenile diabetes and improving health outcomes for children in West Bengal.