New Delhi, March 5: In a significant move to strengthen collaborative efforts for improving nutrition and health outcomes, NITI Aayog and UNICEF India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support strategic interventions in aspirational districts and blocks. This announcement was made by NITI Aayog on Thursday.
The MoU was signed by Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Program, and Arjan De Wagt, Deputy Representative of UNICEF India.
NITI Aayog stated that the aim of this collaboration is to leverage the capabilities of both institutions to enhance maternal and child nutrition outcomes in underserved areas. This partnership will promote multi-stakeholder engagement and strengthen the implementation systems for nutrition and health interventions at the block level.
Rohit Kumar emphasized that the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Program has demonstrated the importance of coordination, collaboration, and data-driven governance in accelerating development outcomes. He highlighted that partnerships with organizations like UNICEF India will further strengthen efforts to address critical health and nutrition challenges and improve service delivery to the last mile in high-priority areas.
Through the Impact4Nutrition (I4N) platform, UNICEF India will provide technical expertise and collaboration to direct CSR investments into nutrition-focused initiatives with businesses, public sector enterprises, and industry associations. This collaboration will focus on strengthening anganwadi infrastructure, enhancing nutrition literacy, improving the utilization of ICDS services, and building the capacity of frontline workers.
NITI Aayog’s statement noted that key activities under this collaboration include mobilizing CSR partners to support health and nutrition interventions, promoting community engagement, and facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms to identify and disseminate best practices applicable in aspirational districts and blocks.
The signing of the MoU underscores the shared commitment of NITI Aayog and UNICEF India. It aims to advance nutrition and health outcomes through robust partnerships, evidence-based approaches, and coordinated action among government, private sector, and community stakeholders.
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