Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) – the CSR arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd – on 24 November 2017 elaborated its holistic efforts to significantly expand its Non- Communicable Disease intervention program outreach in the coming years while stressing on stronger stakeholder partnerships to develop a robust health care system. ACF’s ongoing intervention program through its effective partnership models covers nearly one lakh people across 101 villages in four locations in India. ACF which is celebrating its silver jubilee year has always spearheaded a thought leadership stance in creating impactful platforms for idea exchange by bringing together various stakeholders. With the aim of creating prosperous rural communities, ACF organized a participatory dialogue – Multi Stakeholder Consultation on Non-Communicable Diseases here which saw participation from various industry experts and other stakeholders who were involved either directly or indirectly in the public health space. On this occasion, Ambuja Cement Foundation Head Pearl Tiwari said, “Changing lifestyles combined with lack of awareness has led to the rising epidemic of Non- Communicable Diseases in rural locations across the country. While rural women suffer from malnourishment, youth have been falling prey to substance abuse of tobacco and alcohol – further aggravating their risk of developing NCDs. The situation is critical and demands urgent intervention from various stakeholders to partner and develop a cohesive and sustainable healthcare awareness campaign that addresses the issue at grassroots.” “Non-Communicable Diseases account for nearly 60% of deaths in India at present. Mitigation of NCDs needs constant and concentrated efforts at multiple levels which can be made possible only through synergetic efforts by all stakeholders. ACF shall continue its endeavour to build healthy communities to enable people to lead more fruitful and productive live,” Ms Tiwari added.