RAIPUR: The National Health Mission, Government of Chhattisgarh and the United States Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially announced today a new three-year partnership to identify and demonstrate high-impact healthcare solutions that have the potential to impact the lives of nine million women and children in Chhattisgarh.

This partnership is the first of its kind for USAID and further cements the strong relationship between India and the United States.  This collaboration supports the Government of Chhattisgarh’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its underserved populations. 

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, U.S. Consul General in Mumbai Edgard Kagan said, "This partnership reflects our shared vision of a more equal, prosperous, and healthy society.  The United States and India are stronger and healthier when we work together.” 

Chief Secretary, Mr. Ajay Singh, added, “We look forward to this partnership with USAID, which we believe will bring global experience in managing challenging issues of public health in Chhattisgarh and demonstrating high-impact solutions.”

Activities will focus on strengthening the quality of family health services and improving prevention and health seeking behaviors among women and youth. This collaboration will optimize the impact of the National Health Mission’s programs such as Ayushman Bharat, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, and the LAQSHYA program.

In Chhattisgarh, USAID will identify and test potential breakthrough solutions that address the state’s complex health challenges.

Xerses Sidhwa, Health Office Director for USAID in India, remarked, "USAID will demonstrate innovative, appropriate, and technology-driven solutions that can help tackle Chhattisgarh’s defined health challenges.  These investments have the potential to impact the lives of nine million women and children."

This partnership will spark new cost-effective solutions, maximize the state’s existing health investments, and improve the health of Chhattisgarh’s most vulnerable populations.