Create awareness of non-communicable diseases in children: rights panel chief

It is imperative to create public awareness of non-communicable diseases, including lifestyle disorders, in children, Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar has said.

He was inaugurating a State-level consultation on ‘Investing in child rights and health,’ jointly organised by the commission and UNICEF here on Friday. Mr. Manoj Kumar said children’s physical and mental health was critical to a healthy society. Lifestyle diseases and genetic disorders were posing a huge challenge these days. Children with such conditions needed special support. There was need for more mechanisms in society to protect differently abled children.

‘All should chip in’

More awareness should be created on the issue among families and in schools. A support system should be put in place with everyone’s cooperation. Non-governmental organisations had a vital role to play.

Suggestions on these issues would be submitted to the government, Mr. Manoj Kumar said. He underscored the need to educate students on how to deal with diseases. Clear guidelines were required for this, he said. He also urged everyone to come forward to become promoters of preventive strategies.

Commission member Jalajamol T.C. presided. UNICEF communication specialist Syam Sudheer Bandi delivered the keynote address. The multi-stakeholder consultation was held to deliberate on strategic investments in child health, education, and protection; prevention and management of NCDs in children; and strengthening the child rights framework in the State through institutional reforms, partnerships, and accountability.