Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey at the Ministry’s Mahanadi Bhawan to discuss strengthening maternal and child health, eliminating malnutrition and promoting the holistic development of children across the state.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration between the Chhattisgarh government and UNICEF to improve health and nutrition outcomes through coordinated action involving multiple government departments.
Chhattisgarh Government Prioritising Maternal and Child Health
During the meeting, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state government considers maternal and child health and child nutrition among its highest priorities.
He emphasised that achieving lasting improvements in these areas requires coordinated efforts from all concerned departments.
According to the Chief Minister, healthy mothers and healthy children form the strongest foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh.
CM Calls for Integrated Action Plan Across Departments
The Chief Minister directed key departments to work together with UNICEF to prepare a comprehensive and result-oriented action plan.
The departments expected to collaborate include:
- Health and Family Welfare Department
- Women and Child Development Department
- Panchayat and Rural Development Department
- Tribal Development Department
He stressed that a coordinated approach would help reduce:
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
- Malnutrition among children
The Chief Minister noted that government schemes would have a greater impact only when departments work towards shared goals with an integrated strategy.
Focus on Multi-Sectoral Strategy to Improve Nutrition
CM Vishnu Deo Sai instructed officials to develop a multi-sectoral strategy that ensures health and nutrition programmes reach every eligible beneficiary.
He said the government aims to:
- Improve child nutrition levels.
- Expand access to healthcare services.
- Strengthen maternal healthcare.
- Ensure effective implementation of nutrition programmes.
The coordinated strategy is expected to enhance the overall quality of child health and nutrition services in the state.
UNICEF Reaffirms Support for Chhattisgarh
UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey greeted the Chief Minister with “Jai Johar” and praised Chhattisgarh for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and welcoming people.
She highlighted UNICEF’s long-standing partnership with the Chhattisgarh government in the areas of:
- Maternal health
- Child health
- Nutrition
- Child protection
McCaffrey expressed confidence that continued collaboration between UNICEF and the state government would help create a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for children in Chhattisgarh.
UNICEF Marks 75 Years in India
During the meeting, Cynthia McCaffrey presented the Chief Minister with a special commemorative postage stamp issued by the Department of Posts to mark 75 years of UNICEF’s presence in India.
In return, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed her by presenting a traditional shawl and a symbolic ‘Nandi’, representing Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural identity.
The exchange highlighted the longstanding partnership between UNICEF and the state government.
Senior Officials Attend High-Level Meeting
The meeting was attended by several senior government officials and UNICEF representatives, including:
- Members of the Chhattisgarh Cabinet
- Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh
- UNICEF Chhattisgarh Chief Seema Kumar
- Anil Gulati
- Dr. Bal Paritosh Das
The participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and improve implementation of programmes aimed at enhancing the health, nutrition and overall development of children in the state.
Government and UNICEF Aim for Better Outcomes for Children
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Chhattisgarh government and UNICEF to improving maternal and child health indicators through collaborative planning and evidence-based interventions.
With a focus on reducing malnutrition, lowering maternal and infant mortality rates and ensuring better access to healthcare and nutrition services, both sides expressed confidence that joint efforts would contribute to a healthier and more secure future for children across Chhattisgarh.
