MP to Partner with UNICEF to Reduce Infant and Maternal Mortality, Strengthen Anaemia Control: DyCM Shri Shukla

A delegation from UNICEF India paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla at Vallabh Bhavan. The delegation included UNICEF India Deputy Representative (Programmes) Shri Jasper Moller, UNICEF India Chief of Field Services Sushri Soledad Herrero, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh Chief Shri William Hanlon and UNICEF Madhya Pradesh Communication Specialist Shri Anil Gulati. The meeting focused on reducing infant and maternal mortality, controlling anaemia, addressing malnutrition, preventing child marriage and strengthening the management of high-risk pregnancies.

DyCM Shri Shukla said that coordinated efforts at all levels are essential to reduce infant and maternal mortality and effectively tackle the challenge of anaemia. He said the State Government is working to address the shortage of human resources by recruiting specialists at the district level. Necessary equipment is also being provided to strengthen haemoglobin testing facilities across the state. DyCM Shri Shukla said a comprehensive action plan would be prepared through coordinated efforts of the Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, Panchayat and Rural Development Departmen, and other concerned departments. He sought UNICEF’s technical support in formulating the action plan.

DyCM Shri Shukla said that UNICEF could support capacity building of the state’s master trainers, enabling them to train district-level personnel for the timely identification of high-risk pregnancies, promotion of safe deliveries, and strengthening of newborn care. He also emphasised the need for a state-wide public awareness campaign in collaboration with Panchayats.

DyCM Shri Shukla requested UNICEF to provide simple and effective key messages that could be widely disseminated through public representatives and local leadership. He said effective control over challenges such as anaemia, infant and maternal mortality, and child marriage could be achieved through public participation and inter-departmental coordination.

UNICEF Appreciates Madhya Pradesh Government’s Commitment

UNICEF India Deputy Representative (Programmes) Shri Jasper Moller appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Government’s commitment to reducing infant and maternal mortality. He praised the state’s implementation of the SUMAN Roadmap and also congratulated Madhya Pradesh for its initiative to establish Mother and Newborn Care Units (MNCUs). Sushri Soledad Herrero highlighted the interrelationship between malnutrition and child marriage during the discussion.