UNICEF partners with Bengal to combat juvenile diabetes and non-communicable diseases in children

UNICEF has partnered with the West Bengal government to tackle the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children, with a particular focus on juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes. The collaboration aims to develop a Primary Healthcare (PHC)-oriented model that strengthens the community and primary healthcare systems for the prevention, management, and control of NCDs in children. Juvenile diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels.

In partnership with the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department, IPGMER, and SSKM Hospital, UNICEF is working on an initiative to improve the identification and management of juvenile diabetes in the state. As part of the collaboration, healthcare providers—including medical officers, staff nurses, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers, and community health officers—will be trained to recognize the symptoms of juvenile diabetes and other childhood NCDs. This training is designed to ensure early identification and timely referral of children to specialized NCD clinics.

Currently, five district hospitals—located in Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Bardhaman—along with SSKM Hospital, provide NCD care, including treatment for Type 1 diabetes. These hospitals collectively treat approximately 600 children annually. Additionally, the West Bengal government has approved the establishment of NCD clinics in ten more district hospitals across the state. The expansion aims to increase the availability of specialized care for children with juvenile diabetes and other NCDs in both urban and rural areas.

The initiative’s focus extends to rural and underserved areas where children with juvenile diabetes often remain undiagnosed. A key component of the project is the training of frontline health workers to identify symptoms of juvenile diabetes, such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue. By equipping health workers with the skills to recognize these signs and refer children to NCD clinics, the program aims to improve early diagnosis and reduce the risk of complications from delayed treatment.

The broader goal of this collaboration is to scale up the state’s healthcare capacity to address childhood NCDs and provide equitable access to treatment. In addition to juvenile diabetes, the initiative aims to raise awareness and improve care for other NCDs affecting children, including hypertension and obesity. By strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and training healthcare providers, UNICEF and the West Bengal government aim to ensure that children across the state receive the care they need, regardless of their location.