Meghalaya, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Ink Pact To Boost Health, Nutrition & Agriculture

In a move to improve health, nutrition and agriculture outcomes in Meghalaya, the Government of Meghalaya and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This partnership aims to address critical issues in maternal and newborn health, family planning, nursing education, and agricultural development, positioning Meghalaya as the third state in India after Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to collaborate with the Gates Foundation in both health and agriculture.

This four-year partnership will focus on strengthening healthcare solutions in Meghalaya, with a shared commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly health-related targets for 2030. The MoU encompasses financial and technical support from BMGF in twelve key areas, including maternal and neonatal health, immunisation, nutrition, digital health and agriculture.

The MoU seeks to reduce maternal, neonatal, and child mortality, enhance gender-focused health and nutrition services, and build local institutional capacity for sustainable healthcare improvements. M Hari Menon of BMGF reinforced the Foundation's commitment to equitable access to health services, while Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, described the agreement as a pivotal step in delivering quality healthcare to Meghalaya's population.

This partnership also prioritises digital health innovations, supply chain management, and support for small farmers in agriculture, promising to bring lasting improvements to the state’s healthcare and agricultural sectors.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasising the need for "right-minded people with the right desire" to work together to resolve institutional challenges.

Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Agriculture, Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the importance of community participation, expressing hope that the partnership’s outcomes could be replicated across other Northeastern states.