'Look forward to partnership on public health issues': Prez Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday said his government was looking forward to partnering with the Indian government and non-governmental organizations around broader public health issues such as obesity.

"We very much look forward to partnering with organizations, and the government and non-governmental organizations here in India, around broader Public Health issues including the issue of obesity," President Obama said in the joint 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He added that he was very proud of the work his wife and U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama had done on this issue.

"I am very proud of the work that Michelle has done on this issue. We're seeing a world-wide epidemic of obesity, in many cases starting at a very young age," said President Obama.

The U.S. President added that India had a lot to teach many other countries who may not be advancing as rapidly in improving the public health sector.

"The public health infrastructure around the world needs to be improved. I think the Prime Minister is doing a great job in focusing on these issues here in India. And India has a lot to teach many other countries who may not be advancing as rapidly in improving this public health sector," he said.

The joint address by Prime Minister Modi and President Obama is the first such programme to be broadcast on radio.

It was broadcast hours after President Obama concluded his three-day visit to India, where he attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest and took part in business summits.