Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has reaffirmed India’s strong commitment towards advancing the global agenda for health of women, children and adolescents. Mr Nadda today held a bilateral meeting with Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), Helen Clark, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva. During the meeting, the minister underlined India’s active leadership role in PMNCH as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Standing Committee. He also informed that India’s annual grant contribution of two million dollars in perpetuity is currently under process and would be shared soon. Mr Nadda also highlighted that India is among the first countries to launch a dedicated national programme for adolescents in 2014, reaching young people through facility-based, school-based and community-based interventions across the country. Referring to India’s progress in maternal and child health indicators, the Minister stated that the country has achieved significant reductions in Maternal Mortality Ratio and Infant Mortality Rate, at a pace surpassing global trends. The Minister conveyed India’s willingness to support the organization across a wide range of priorities, including women, children and adolescents Health and the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases.
During the meeting, Ms. Clark appreciated India’s continued leadership and contributions to global public health and acknowledged the country’s important role within PMNCH and the broader global health architecture.
