Sesame Workshop, Abbott launch healthy habits initiative for children in UP

Amid rising concerns over childhood nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and early onset of lifestyle-related diseases, Sesame Workshop — the nonprofit behind Sesame Street — has partnered with healthcare company Abbott to roll out a healthy habits initiative in India.

The programme focuses on helping children and families build simple, age-appropriate routines around balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and proper sleep. Adapted to Indian contexts, the initiative provides Hindi-language resources designed to make health concepts easy to understand and practice at home and in communities.

Advertisement

As part of the outreach, a Hindi version of the family special Elmo’s World: Dance Party has been released on Sesame Workshop India’s YouTube channel. Featuring music and playful movement, it encourages children and caregivers to explore healthy behaviours together. The programme combines digital engagement with on-ground community efforts, working closely with Anganwadi centres and ASHA workers.

According to Sesame Workshop India, the initiative is expected to directly reach over 10,000 children and caregivers through grassroots networks, while also connecting with a much larger audience online.

The initiative was recently launched in Lucknow by Leena Johri, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development, Uttar Pradesh. The launch event brought together government representatives, Sesame Workshop India, Abbott India, and frontline health workers. Anganwadi workers were provided with educational materials, underlining the importance of community-based systems in shaping early childhood habits.

The resources include storybooks, activity books, yoga guides, flashcards, calendars, and games built around familiar Sesame Street characters and play-based learning methods.

Officials at the launch highlighted the broader goal of strengthening children’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing from an early age. They stressed that developing healthy routines — such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, structured daily habits, and positive thinking — is essential, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The initiative aligns with ongoing government programmes in nutrition, health, and early childhood development, and emphasizes collaboration between public systems, local communities, and frontline workers to promote lifelong wellness among children.