In a major step to improve health and nutrition outcomes in underserved regions, NITI Aayog and UNICEF India signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to support targeted interventions in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. The agreement was signed by Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, NITI Aayog, and Arjan de Wagt, Deputy Representative, UNICEF India.
The collaboration aims to combine the expertise of both institutions to enhance maternal and child nutrition outcomes. It will promote multi-stakeholder engagement and strengthen block-level implementation systems for nutrition and health interventions.
Shri Rohit Kumar emphasized that the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme has shown the value of convergence, collaboration, and data-driven governance in accelerating development outcomes. He noted that partnerships with organizations like UNICEF India will further enhance last-mile service delivery and tackle critical health and nutrition challenges in high-priority regions.
Under the partnership, UNICEF India, through the IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N) platform, will provide technical support and engage businesses, public sector enterprises, and industry associations to channel CSR investments into nutrition-focused initiatives. Key focus areas include strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure, enhancing nutrition literacy, improving uptake of ICDS services, and building the capacity of frontline workers.
The collaboration will also mobilize CSR partners, promote community engagement, and support knowledge-sharing platforms to identify and scale best practices across Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
The signing of the SOI reflects the shared commitment of NITI Aayog and UNICEF India to advance nutrition and health outcomes through evidence-based approaches, coordinated action, and strengthened partnerships across government, private sector, and community stakeholders.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
