This project aims to create evidence-based, culturally acceptable and inclusive models for prevention of risk factors and NCDs in tribal districts of India across 5 states.
The project is the initial phase of a comprehensive primary prevention initiative aimed at tribal groups in India. This initiative is part of the larger Tribal Health Collaborative (THC) framework, which is currently addressing maternal and child health and infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB).Spanning 5-7 years, with the first two years as the foundational phase, the initiative will be centrally coordinated by a technical support unit. This unit will provide expertise, strategic direction, coordination, and oversight. The project activities are divided into four main tracks:1. Research & Knowledge Generation: The project aims to conduct formative research to understand the cultural, social, behavioural, and policy context for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention interventions. This includes a cross-sectional epidemiological study across all target districts, assessments in schools to identify knowledge, attitude, and practice among school children, and health policy and systems research. The data from this research will be analysed to draw key policy implications and recommendations.2. School-Based Interventions: The project plans to enhance school meal planning by redesigning guidelines to reduce salt content, improve nutritional value, and consider traditional diet and local produce. Additionally, the project will develop and implement school-based interventions to promote health literacy. This includes the development of a training curriculum for teachers and the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity at schools.3. Community-Based Interventions: The project will develop and implement community-based interventions to promote the health literacy of tribal women. These interventions will include training for tribal community leaders and community groups, and involve them in driving social and behavioural change communication activities. The project will also work with local self-governing bodies, village councils, and tribal leaders to identify avenues for introducing locally acceptable health promotion through existing structures and programmes.4. Advocacy and Dissemination: The project will develop a proof of concept for primary prevention models informed by the research track and pilots. Advocacy efforts will be rolled out with line departments at state, district, and block level for integrating NCD prevention in ongoing programmes and to foster multi-sectoral collaboration and action for health promotion.All activities will incorporate tribal culture in the form of art, poetry, street plays, and gatherings to promote health and prevent NCDs.
• Epidemiological study on prevalence of risk factors, hypertension, diabetes and complications among 10,000 adults with tribal affiliation and 4,000 adolescents conducted. Scientific papers published.• Policy brief with recommendation for integration of NCD prevention in existing programmes and steps for multi-sectoral action disseminated based on 440 key informant interviews and 150 focus group discussions.• 50 pilot schools strengthened to include approaches on healthy living and health literacy focussing on prevention of diabetes, availability of culturally acceptable healthy food options and adequate physical activity• 600 tribal healers and 1150 community influencers trained in healthy behaviours, primary prevention of diabetes• 100 Self-help groups trained in ‘healthy pregnancy’ and diabetes prevention- to function as community influencers • 4000 pregnant women trained in ‘healthy pregnancy’• 100 campaigns held (50 in schools and 50 in community) incorporating tribal culture and context to promote NCD prevention.• Evidence-based models for primary prevention of NCDs and health promotion among tribal groups developed and ready for scale up.