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CCDC’s 25 Years: Pioneering Chronic Disease Prevention in India

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The Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) recently marked its 25th anniversary with a significant two-day Scientific Symposium in New Delhi, held on September 18–19. This pivotal event gathered over 400 leading public health experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from India and globally. Together, they convened to strategize and advance chronic disease prevention and care for the future. The symposium highlighted CCDC’s crucial role in shaping India’s response to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, which pose a significant health burden in the country.

CCDC’s Quarter-Century Legacy in Public Health

Opening the symposium, Prof. D. Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC, reflected on the institution’s remarkable journey. He emphasized that CCDC, initially a vision to bridge clinical care and public health research, has evolved into a collaborative force. This collaboration has profoundly transformed India’s approach to chronic diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Prabhakaran also noted, “Our work has only just begun; the next 25 years will be even more critical as we move towards a healthier, more equitable India.” Indeed, NCDs represent the largest health burden in India today, necessitating sustained efforts.

Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, Founder Director of CCDC and former Head of Cardiology at AIIMS, New Delhi, delivered the inaugural keynote address. He underscored the core values guiding CCDC’s mission. Reddy stated, “Public health must always remain rooted in the service of people and society.” He further highlighted how multidisciplinary action, like that demonstrated by CCDC, fosters Universal Health Coverage and builds enduring health systems. Therefore, carrying these guiding principles forward is vital for strengthening healthcare for future generations.

Advancing Chronic Disease Prevention Through Research and Policy

The two-day symposium facilitated extensive discussions on critical public health themes. These included digital health for Universal Health Coverage, reimagining health systems for NCD care, and exploring food systems and nutrition. Cancer research in India, women’s health, mental health, and exposomics—the study of environmental determinants of chronic conditions—also featured prominently. Such diverse topics underscore the complex nature of chronic disease management. For those looking to deepen their expertise in managing cardiovascular diseases, the Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology offers comprehensive training.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR & Secretary, Dept. of Health Research, Government of India, delivered a plenary address, stressing the importance of implementation science. He articulated, “While not every policy can be entirely evidence-based, ensuring that health systems are evidence-informed is essential.” India actively develops mechanisms, from evidence synthesis to national guidelines and implementation research, designed to translate innovative ideas into real-world impact. Dr. Bahl asserted that research must guide the creation of sustainable change, especially in addressing implementation challenges.

Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years

The closing session, chaired by Prof. VijayRaghavan and Prof. N.K. Arora, looked ahead to CCDC’s future contributions. Key discussions focused on bolstering health platforms for Viksit Bharat, scaling innovation, and enhancing capacity. Furthermore, participants emphasized driving policy changes to effectively address the escalating burden of chronic diseases in India and other LMICs. This forward-looking perspective highlights a continued commitment to public health. Understanding the intricacies of diabetes is crucial in this context, and the International Post Graduate Program in Diabetes Mellitus Management provides specialized knowledge.

CCDC’s work aligns with national initiatives such as the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), which aims to prevent and control major NCDs across the country. This program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, and health promotion. It also includes population-based screening for common NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers, particularly for individuals over 30 years of age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary focus of the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC)?

The CCDC is dedicated to reducing the burden of chronic diseases in India and low- and middle-income countries by advancing research, promoting evidence-based policies, and strengthening public health systems.

Q2: Who were some prominent speakers at CCDC’s 25th-anniversary symposium?

Notable speakers included Prof. D. Prabhakaran (Executive Director, CCDC), Prof. K. Srinath Reddy (Founder Director, CCDC), Dr. Rajiv Bahl (Director General, ICMR), Prof. Nikhil Tandon (AIIMS), Prof. Venkat Narayan (Emory University), and Prof. Neil Poulter (Imperial College London).

Q3: What key themes were discussed at the symposium regarding chronic disease prevention?

Key themes included digital health for Universal Health Coverage, reimagining health systems for NCD care, food systems and nutrition, cancer research, women’s and mental health, and environmental determinants of chronic conditions (exposomics).

References

  1. CCDC marks 25 Years of advancing Public Health with Scientific Symposium – ETHealthworld.
  2. NCDs POLICY BRIEF – INDIA – NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS) – UNIATF.
  3. Addressing the escalating burden of chronic diseases in India: Need for strengthening primary care – PMC – PubMed Central.
  4. India’s challenge: stemming the rising tide of non-communicable diseases – The Hindu.
  5. Status of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India – PIB.
  6. About Us – CCDC.
  7. National Programme for prevention and control of NCDs (NP-NCD).
  8. Steps taken by the Government to reduce burden of Non-Communicable Diseases – PIB.
  9. NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.