Meghalaya signed MoU will Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for addressing health issues

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 24, 2024

The Meghalaya Health Society, part of the National Health Mission, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together and address critical issues affecting maternal and newborn health, birth spacing, and disease control in Meghalaya.

The partnership will focus on Family Planning, Maternal and Neonatal Health, IT Solutions for Healthcare, and Nutritional Programs for Women & Children.

The MoU signifies a 4-year collaboration to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a focus on reducing maternal and child mortality, improving family planning access, and strengthening healthcare systems in Meghalaya.

The Meghalaya Health Society was represented by Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Meghalaya Health Minister; Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare; Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Planning & Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development, Meghalaya; Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Meghalaya; and Ramkumar, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare and Mission Director of NHM, Meghalaya.

The BMGF was represented by Hari Menon, Director, India Country Office & South & Southeast Asia Director, BMGF, and Dr. Rajani Ved, Director of Health, India Country Office, BMGF.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who joined the meeting remotely, said, “Together, we will tackle health challenges with the right expertise, ensuring better lives for our citizens!”

Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health Minister, said, “This partnership will help bridge gaps and evolve a replicable model for health improvement across the North-East.”

Hari Menon of BMGF reiterated the foundation’s commitment: “We are excited to strengthen Meghalaya’s health system and work towards sustainable, equitable healthcare.”