Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 28: Dr Rekha Harish, Prof and Head Department of Pediatrics GMC Jammu brought laurels to the state by being the first pediatrician to be honoured and felicitated by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics during the inaugural ceremony at the national level during the 15th Asia Pacific conference of Pediatrics 53rd Pedicon in Hyderabad.
She was felicitated in appreciation of her contribution towards betterment of Indian children as National Convener of IAP Task Force for Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Lifestyle Disorders from 2012 to 2015 especially against JUNK food availability in Schools.
She was also nominated again as National Convener and Coordinator of new created Indian Academy of Pediatrics Task Force for Prevention of Non communicable Diseases of Childhood for a tenure of 5 years and was invited to convene its first national meeting at Hyderabad during the same conference.
The need for the Task Force is urgent need as Non communicable diseases have gained alarming rise especially in Low & middle income countries due to their highest morbidity and mortality.
The template accepted during the meeting was based on the Healthy Lifestyle Workshop designed by her for School Children Parents Teachers and Administrators for nationwide application.
Her Module on “Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity : Indian Perspective” was also released in the Inaugural ceremony of same conference.
She was also invited to moderate an international symposium on Non communicable diseases with speakers from USA Dr Jonathan Klein President of NCD Child and Associate Director of American Academy of Pediatrics and Dr Kate Armstrong Founder of NCD Child and President CLAN Foundation from Sydney and Chairpersons Dr Surantha Perera, Dr Li Xyong from Sri Lanka and China respectively. .
Dr Rekha was also amongst 4 Pediatricians from India invited to attend the 2 days International Workshop on Non communicable diseases organized by NCD Child US and CLAN (Caring & Living As Neighbours ) represented by Dr Jonathan Klein, Dr Francis & Dr Kate Armstrong .
Eight countries of Asia Pacific region participated in the international workshop to draft layout plan for tackling NCDs in their respective countries. She drafted the plan on introducing the teachings of Principles of Healthy Life style to every School child of the country.
Her suggested cost effective approach towards NCDs by Primordial Prevention with clear targets and time frame was widely appreciated.
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