Classroom blitz ordered to curb NCDs

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has launched a sweeping, time-bound action plan across primary schools to combat the rising threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to an official notification obtained by the Daily Sun, the policy enforces strict measures on nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and tobacco control across all state-affiliated primary education bodies. 
The directive, signed by Deputy Secretary (Admin-2) Md Shamsul Arif on 28 June following an initial order on 15 February 2026, mandates immediate nationwide implementation.
Under the strategy, the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) will spearhead a massive frontline campaign. Health and nutrition lessons have already been integrated into 12 chapters of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) syllabus for Grades 3 to 5. 
To bridge the gap between classrooms and communities, the DPE will orchestrate 262,276 courtyard and parental meetings annually across 65,569 government schools, focusing on child nutrition and mental well-being.
In a bid to establish strictly tobacco-free environments, the ministry has introduced a mandatory non-smoking clause for all assistant teachers recruited under the 2025 circular. 
Furthermore, the DPE will expand Cub Scouting to 44,530 schools and screen 2,000 physically challenged, 2,000 visually impaired, and 1,500 hearing-impaired students during the 2026 academic year.
Concurrently, the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE) will target marginalised and out-of-school children. Through its Alternative Learning Opportunity (ALO) programme, 12,800 learners and 1,280 teachers will receive targeted education on obesity and cardiovascular risks. 
Mirroring the DPE's tobacco ban, all 1,280 ALO instructors and 512 vocational 
trainers must be non-smokers. The bureau will also conduct 4,608 home counselling visits to support student mental health.
To sustain the drive, the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) will retrain the workforce, providing NCD and nutrition modules to 6,790 teachers and 1,120 education officials. 
A further 3,170 field-level officials will undergo health literacy training, incorporating mandatory physical exercise and mental health sessions.
Finally, the Shishu Kalyan Trust will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Social Marketing Company (SMC) to deliver specialised personal hygiene and adolescent health counselling to targeted schools.