UNFPA Recognizes India’s Remarkable Progress in Maternal Health and Family Planning Initiatives

India’s success in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 70% between 2000 and 2020 was a central point of celebration.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has honoured India’s extraordinary strides in improving maternal health and family planning services. During a special ceremony, Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, presented a plaque and certificate to Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, acknowledged India’s impressive progress. Dr. Kanem emphasized UNFPA’s ongoing commitment to partnering with India to advance women’s health and well-being.

India’s success in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 70% between 2000 and 2020 was a central point of celebration. This reduction has positioned the country to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of achieving an MMR below 70 before 2030, significantly improving maternal health across the nation, particularly benefiting marginalized and rural communities.

Major Initiatives in Maternal Health

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing several initiatives to enhance maternal health outcomes, aiming for zero preventable maternal deaths. Key programs include:

Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana (SUMAN), offering assured quality and respectful maternity care.Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), which provides antenatal care and medical support to pregnant women.The Midwifery Services Initiative, aimed at expanding access to skilled midwives for safer deliveries.These initiatives, coupled with improved healthcare infrastructure, have contributed significantly to the drastic reduction in maternal deaths.

Family Planning Milestones

India’s Family Planning program has also witnessed remarkable achievements. The country has successfully reduced the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) below the replacement level of TFR-2, marking a pivotal moment in controlling population growth. The program has continuously expanded the basket of contraceptive choices, including the introduction of Subdermal Implants and Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) injectables, providing more options for women to manage reproductive health.

Global Leadership in Reproductive Health

India’s leadership in global reproductive health forums was also recognized. The country holds influential positions in key international partnerships, such as the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and the Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) global initiative, contributing to worldwide efforts in improving maternal and reproductive health services.

Celebrating 50 Years of UNFPA-India Partnership

As UNFPA celebrates 50 years of partnership with the Government of India, this event highlighted the shared mission of improving the health and well-being of women, girls, and young people across India. The commitment to supporting India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) was reaffirmed, emphasizing continuous efforts toward enhancing maternal and reproductive healthcare.

Senior officials, including Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary, National Health Mission, Mr. Pio Smith, Asia Pacific Regional Director for UNFPA, and Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative, attended the event. Other key officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were also present, including Dr. Indu Grewal, Additional Commissioner for Family Planning, Dr. Pawan Kumar, Additional Commissioner for Maternal Health & Immunization, and Dr. Zoya Ali Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner for Nutrition & Adolescent Health.

Commitment to Women’s Health and Well-being

Dr. Kanem commended India’s monumental progress, while also reaffirming UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting India’s efforts in advancing health outcomes for women, girls, and young people. The collaboration between UNFPA and India continues to play a crucial role in ensuring accessible and equitable healthcare for all, as the nation moves closer to realizing the SDG targets in maternal and reproductive health.