Shillong (Meghalaya) : To enhance health outcomes in the state, the Meghalaya government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on maternal and newborn health, family planning, nursing, and livestock development. The agreement was finalized in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh. Meghalaya is the third Indian state, after Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, to partner with the Gates Foundation in health and agriculture initiatives.
M. Hari Menon, Director of the Gates Foundation’s India Country Office, and Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary of Meghalaya’s Health & Family Welfare Department, represented their respective parties in signing the MoU. Other officials in attendance included key members from both the Meghalaya government and BMGF.
The MoU aims to implement effective healthcare solutions in Meghalaya and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly health-related targets for 2030. Chief Minister Sangma remarked, “Today, we signed a strategic partnership with the Gates Foundation to enhance health, nutrition, and agriculture.” He emphasized the significance of the partnership in addressing local challenges and improving the socio-economic conditions of women and mothers.
The MoU will span four years, with both parties committing to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes. BMGF will provide both financial and technical support in twelve critical areas, including comprehensive primary healthcare, family planning, maternal health, neonatal care, immunization, and nutrition.
Sangma expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating the importance of uniting expertise to tackle pressing issues effectively. He underscored the commitment to improving the lives of citizens and enhancing the conditions for women.
Health Minister Dr. Lyngdoh highlighted the need for community involvement and expressed hope that the model developed through this partnership could be replicated across other northeastern states.
The collaboration aims to reduce maternal, neonatal, and child mortality rates through improved access to healthcare services and emergency transport. It will also enhance health and nutrition services while building the capacity of local institutions to drive sustainable change.
M. Hari Menon from the Gates Foundation reiterated the organization’s commitment to equitable access to essential health services, looking forward to strengthening the health system in Meghalaya.
Key program areas will include creating IT solutions for primary healthcare, improving family planning services, and enhancing maternal and neonatal health initiatives. The partnership will also focus on redesigning nursing education and optimizing supply chain management for better availability of medical supplies.
The Meghalaya State Health Society will oversee the initiatives funded by the Gates Foundation, ensuring effective coordination and sustainability of progress. This partnership aims to significantly improve the healthcare landscape in Meghalaya, making quality care accessible to all residents.
