National meet on early detection and early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders opens at Child Development Centre

Health Minister Veena George announced that the Child Development Centre in Thiruvananthapuram will be upgraded to a Centre of Excellence for neurodevelopmental disorders. UNICEF will collaborate as a knowledge partner to aid in research and development. Kerala has implemented various model initiatives in child care including neonatal care, rare diseases, and universal immunization. The state is also considering a paediatric palliative care scheme. The Health department is working on early identification of children with neurodevelopmental challenges with the help of ASHAs and school teachers. The goal is to create equal opportunities for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. UNICEF Chief of Health, Vivek Virendra Singh, delivered the keynote address at a national conference on early detection and intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders.