India's Leadership in Global Health: Lessons from the Global South

India can guide developing nations in crafting effective health programs by sharing its experience in tackling maternal, child, and adolescent health challenges. Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of PMNCH, highlights India's role in reducing maternal mortality and the implementation of various health initiatives, offering valuable lessons for others.

India has the potential to guide developing nations in creating effective health programs, based on its extensive experience with maternal, child, and adolescent health challenges, said Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH). As a leader of the Global South, India can share best practices to improve health outcomes, Khosla told PTI in an exclusive interview.

India's reduction of maternal mortality rates (MMR) from 384 in 2000 to 97 in 2020, compared with the global decline from 339 to 223, stands out, Khosla noted. This success is attributed to dedicated health workers and effective multisectoral policies.

Despite facing significant challenges, India has made progress through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, the National Health Mission, and community health programs like ASHA. Khosla highlighted that India's experience provides crucial lessons for other developing nations in policy formulation, community engagement, and sustainable health interventions.

(With inputs from agencies.)