In a recent development, the Union Health Secretary, Apurva Chandra, and the Deputy Ambassador of Norway, Martine Aamdal Bottheim, came together to sign important documents for the 4th phase of the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI). This initiative aims to extend cooperation in various health schemes between the two countries.
The Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) started back in 2006, and since then, it has been working to improve health care in different parts of India. States like Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have received support under this initiative to enhance maternal and child health care facilities.
This partnership between the Indian and Norwegian governments focuses on areas such as Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. It aligns with India’s National Health Policy of 2017 and aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
NIPI-3, the third phase of this initiative, provides strategic support to India’s National Health Mission (NHM) by implementing proven practices in districts with specific development goals. It also aims to strengthen the innovation capacity of the public health system and share successful interventions with other states and territories.
The cooperation between India and Norway will continue to introduce, improve, and expand high-quality health care services at both community and facility levels. This collaboration plays a crucial role in achieving the goals outlined in India’s National Health Policy.
The Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) was established in 2006 through an agreement between the Governments of Norway and India. Its primary goal is to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates in India through sustainable efforts. NIPI focuses on providing strategic and innovative support to India’s National Health Mission (NHM) by implementing scalable interventions in states like Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The first two phases of NIPI, spanning from 2006 to 2017, were deemed highly successful by both governments. Recognizing the positive outcomes and the need for further collaboration, they agreed to continue the partnership with a third phase. This phase builds upon the experiences and successes of the previous ones and expands its reach to aspirational districts. Additionally, it establishes an innovation hub to foster new ideas and practices in maternal and child health care.
Under Phase 3, the best practices developed through NIPI and the National Health Mission will be shared globally for broader dissemination and learning. This exchange of knowledge and expertise contributes to the improvement of health care not only in India but also worldwide.
