In a bid to bolster healthcare initiatives and continue their collaborative efforts in enhancing maternal and child health care, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra and Deputy Ambassador of Norway Martine Aamdal Bottheim recently inked a significant agreement for the fourth phase of the Norway-India Partnership Initiative (NIPI).
Since its inception in 2006, the Norway-India Partnership Initiative has been a beacon of hope, aiding various Indian states such as Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in strengthening their healthcare infrastructure and services.
Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra and Deputy Ambassador of Norway H.E. Ms. Martine Aamdal Bottheim today signed the documents for the 4th phase of Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) extending cooperation in various health schemes.
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) May 1, 2024
Under the initiative which… pic.twitter.com/TkBKjG9JzB
The third phase of NIPI, aligning with the goals outlined in India’s National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 and the Sustainable Development Goals, focused on maternal, newborn, and child health. It provided strategic and technical support to the National Health Mission (NHM), scaling up proven practices in select districts, fostering innovation within the public health system, and documenting successful interventions.
Building upon the success of its predecessors, the fourth phase of NIPI aims to further innovate, enhance quality care at both community and facility levels, and align closely with the objectives set forth in India’s National Health Policy. This continued partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to address critical health challenges and improve the well-being of women and children across India.
Established as a collaborative effort between the Governments of Norway and India, NIPI has consistently strived to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates in India. Its approach involves testing scalable interventions in high-focus states like Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
Recognizing the success of the initial phases, both governments expressed their mutual satisfaction and agreed to extend the partnership, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the third phase. This latest phase will not only build upon past experiences but also expand its reach to aspirational districts and establish an innovation hub to foster further advancements in healthcare delivery.
Moreover, the collaboration between the National Health Mission and NIPI will serve as a model for global dissemination of best practices in maternal and child health, contributing to a broader understanding and adoption of effective interventions worldwide.
As India and Norway join hands once again, the fourth phase of NIPI heralds a new chapter in their shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
