UNICON 2025: National Medical Conference on Childhood Non-Communicable Diseases held at AIIMS Nagpur

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur, in collaboration with UNICEF Maharashtra, successfully hosted UNICON 2025, a first-of-its-kind, landmark National Medical Conference on Childhood and Pediatric Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The event, held as part of Global NCD Week (18–25 September 2025), was attended by undergraduate medical students and pediatricians from across India.

The conference was inaugurated in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP and Member of the Institute Body (IB), AIIMS Nagpur, Dr. Ajeet Gopchade, who served as the chief guest. He lauded the initiative for giving children’s health a national platform. Being a pediatrician himself, Dr. Gopchade commended AIIMS Nagpur and UNICEF for this pioneering effort and urged the team to broaden the scope of childhood NCDs by including conditions such as cerebral palsy and developmental disorders, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Prof. (Dr.) Prashant Joshi, CEO and Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur and patron of the conference, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach. He stated: “We must break the myth that NCDs affect only affluent adults. Pediatric NCDs are escalating and advancing slowly, becoming a silent epidemic globally. They often remain undetected and undocumented until complications arise. Children in both rural and urban communities are at risk, and the time to act is now. Many of these NCDs are highly preventable if early interventions are initiated during childhood. Regular health check-ups, awareness, and healthy living — such as balanced diets, physical activity, and early detection — can save countless lives.”

Mr. Sanjay Singh, Chief of UNICEF Maharashtra, highlighted the long-term impact of childhood NCDs, saying: “Childhood NCDs are a silent epidemic — often overlooked but deeply affecting education, families, and futures. Maharashtra has shown bold leadership in putting children at the center of the NCD agenda. With prevention, early detection, and equity, we can transform this crisis into a story of courage and hope.”

The plenary session focused on translating vision into action, with Padma Shri Dr. B.N. Gangadhar—a prominent psychiatrist, former Director of NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC)—underscoring the critical role of research, policy, and medical education in tackling childhood NCDs.

He also emphasized the evidence-based role of yoga and mental health in preventing and managing NCDs among children and adolescents, adding a holistic dimension to the scientific discussions.
Dr. Meenakshi Girish, Professor and Head of Pediatrics, AIIMS Nagpur, explained the conference theme: “It is a myth to believe that ‘Prevention and Cure’ as ultimate goals in modern medicine are limited to communicable diseases. Like the mythological unicorn — a rare and magical creature — children with NCDs deserve a magical childhood, supported by access to affordable preventive care, early diagnosis, and effective management.”

The occasion was graced by Dean Academics Dr. Mrunal Phatak, Medical Superintendent Dr. Nilesh Nagdeve, Dean Student Welfare Dr. Dubhashi, and the student organizing committee led by Jayesh Mulani and Anthony Rahul.

UNICON 2025 concluded with a strong call by Dr. Mangesh Gadhari, Health Specialist, UNICEF Maharashtra, for a Statewide Mission on Childhood NCDs (2025–2030), reaffirming Maharashtra’s commitment to building a comprehensive, child-forward health system. The conference set the tone for collaborative research, capacity building, and policy integration to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, resilient, and empowered.

This unique conference aimed to equip undergraduate medical students with practical skills to tackle the growing epidemic of childhood NCDs. It drew 459 students and over 50 pediatricians from across India, making it one of the largest academic gatherings of its kind. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops led by AIIMS Nagpur faculty. The event also featured the PEDIA-QUEST finale, with five competing teams, and a poster competition on pediatric NCDs, showcasing around 30 selected entries.