Suraksha Nepal implemented the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Awareness Program in approximately 20 schools of Rajbiraj Municipality, Saptari District, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Population, Madhesh Province Government. The programme aimed to increase awareness among school-going students about NCDs, their major risk factors and the importance of adopting healthy behaviours from an early age. The programme reached approximately 5,500 students through school-based awareness sessions, interactive discussions, health education and behaviour-change activities. The programme recognized schools as an important platform for promoting healthy lifestyles and helping children and adolescents develop positive health behaviours that can continue into adulthood.

The awareness sessions focused on major NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as the preventable risk factors associated with them. Students were provided with practical information on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing exposure to avoidable health risks. Key areas covered by the programme included healthy and balanced diets, regular physical activity, prevention of tobacco and alcohol use, maintaining healthy body weight, adequate sleep, personal health awareness and the importance of avoiding unhealthy lifestyle practices. Students were encouraged to understand how everyday choices can influence their present and future health.

The programme also emphasized the importance of physical activity and active lifestyles among adolescents. Students were encouraged to participate in regular physical activities and understand the health benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. School-based health promotion provides an opportunity to address NCD risk factors while students are developing lifelong health behaviours. Interactive discussions helped students identify common misconceptions about NCDs and understand that many NCD risk factors can be reduced through healthy choices and preventive action. The programme encouraged students to share key health messages with their families and peers, thereby extending awareness beyond the classroom.

The programme also promoted student participation and peer awareness, encouraging students to become health-conscious role models within their schools and communities. Participants were motivated to promote healthy eating, physical activity and avoidance of tobacco and other harmful substances among their peers. Through school-based awareness and health promotion, the programme contributed to strengthening students’ knowledge of NCD prevention and encouraging healthier lifestyle practices. It also supported the broader objective of developing a generation of young people who are better informed about preventable health risks and capable of making healthier choices.

Overall, the programme reached approximately 5,500 students across 20 schools in Rajbiraj Municipality and contributed to increased awareness of NCDs, their risk factors and preventive health practices among school-going children and adolescents.