India , Norway 

India and Norway extend their partnership through the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) to enhance maternal and child health care, aiming to reduce mortality rates and share successful practices globally.

India and Norway have reaffirmed their commitment to improving maternal and child health care through the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI). The Union Health Secretary, Apurva Chandra, and Deputy Ambassador of Norway, Martine Aamdal Bottheim, recently signed documents marking the beginning of the 4th phase of this vital partnership.

Since its inception in 2006, NIPI has been instrumental in supporting various Indian states, including Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in enhancing maternal and child health facilities. The initiative, aligned with India's National Health Policy 2017 and Sustainable Development Goals, focuses on crucial areas such as Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health.

The third phase of NIPI, which built upon the successes of its predecessors, emphasized scaling up proven interventions in aspirational districts, fostering innovation within the public health system, and documenting and sharing best practices. This collaborative effort between the Governments of India and Norway aims to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates in targeted regions.

Recognizing the efficacy of the first two phases, both governments agreed to extend the partnership further. Phase 3, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, expands the initiative's reach to aspirational districts and establishes an innovation hub. Moreover, it emphasizes the dissemination of successful practices globally, enhancing learning opportunities for health systems worldwide.

Moving forward, the partnership will continue to innovate, improve, and scale up quality healthcare interventions at the community and facility levels. By aligning with India's National Health Policy goals, NIPI remains committed to making tangible improvements in maternal and child health outcomes, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of communities in India and beyond.