At IYCNCON 2026, the 16th National Conference on Infant and Young Child Nutrition, Prabhakar Kore highlighted nutrition’s vital role in building a healthier India. He emphasized the fact that “Children are the building blocks of Future India”.

The conference took place at the KLE Centenary Convention Centre, Belagavi, bringing together experts from across India and international organisations.

Prabhakar Kore emphasised that childhood nutrition forms the foundation for healthy growth, development and lifelong well-being. He stressed the need to take scientific knowledge beyond institutions and translate it into meaningful community action.

KLE’s commitment to maternal and child health

KLE has consistently prioritised maternal and child health, breastfeeding and nutrition through healthcare and community-focused initiatives.

Key initiatives include the AMRUTHA Human Milk Bank, Nutritional Rehabilitation and Kangaroo Mother Care. These programmes support mothers, newborns and children while strengthening evidence-based approaches to child healthcare.

Prabhakar Kore also highlighted the importance of collective action to address nutritional challenges. He referred to the collaboration involving Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, the One World One Family Mission and KLE.

The partnership aims to improve nutrition and contribute towards building an anaemia-free Belagavi through sustained community engagement and coordinated action.

National and international participation

The conference featured experts from across India and representatives associated with organisations including UNICEF and PATH.

The inaugural function included Dr. G. V. Basavaraja, Chief Guest and Past President, IAP; Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Shrivastava, Vice-Chancellor, KAHER; and other distinguished healthcare professionals.

The organising team included Dr. Roopa Bellad, Dr. N. S. Mahantashetti, Dr. Prasant Kumar Saboth, Dr. Veeresh Manvi and Dr. Tammaya Metgud.

Prabhakar Kore conveyed his best wishes for IYCNCON 2026 and continued efforts towards better nutrition and healthier childhoods.