The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has recommended the government to announce a State Policy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Children and Adolescents.
The state policy is among a set of recommendations the commission came up with following five national consultations held between April and September last year with children affected by NCDs and other stakeholders, with the aim of raising awareness of NCDs and promoting behavior change, thereby reducing the burden on children affected by NCDs.
The policy should be aligned with national health policies and have defined objectives, timelines and monitoring indicators, the commission said.
School screening
Another recommendation of the commission is to institutionalize school health screening and strengthen early detection systems. The three directives of the NCD commission addressed to the Ministry of General Education were instrumental in the implementation of the school health program ‘Aksharam Arogyam’ in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. As part of the programme, children will be examined for various health parameters and health cards will be issued to document their health details, commission chairman KV Manoj Kumar said recently.
The commission also suggested regulation of junk food and harmful advertising in and around schools. The sale, availability and promotion of unhealthy foods and ultra-processed foods on school premises, canteens and surrounding areas should be prohibited.
The commission recommended the creation of transitional care mechanisms, including transitional clinics, to ensure continuity of care for children with chronic illnesses from childhood to adulthood.
She called for the expansion of psychosocial counseling services in health facilities and schools. The commission also suggested capacity building of teachers, health professionals and institutions in basic counselling, mental health awareness, first aid and early identification of behavioral and emotional problems.
Strengthening coordination
Another recommendation to the government is to strengthen interdepartmental coordination across the departments of health, education, women’s and children’s development, social justice, local government, and information and public relations.
The department also issued consolidated recommendations to various departments. These include expanding facilities for early diagnosis, continuous monitoring and follow-up care of pediatric NCDs in primary and community health centers and tertiary health facilities; order the establishment of school health rooms equipped for the safe storage and administration of student medication; and strengthening community psychosocial support systems for children affected by NCDs and their families.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 19:51 IST
