Union Health Minister JP Nadda Praises Global Efforts for Women’s and Children’s Health

Union Health Minister JP Nadda commended the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) for its commitment to the well-being of women, children, and adolescents. The 33rd PMNCH board meeting began on July 4 in Geneva, Switzerland, and concluded on July 5.

In his keynote address delivered via video message, Nadda, who is also the Vice Chair of the PMNCH Board, reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to advancing these issues and fostering meaningful youth engagement. He highlighted the importance of partnerships and multiple stakeholders working together to achieve common goals.

Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM) of the Health Ministry, led the Indian delegation at the meeting. The PMNCH is the world’s largest alliance dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and rights of women, children, and adolescents. It is governed by a board and administered by a secretariat hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva.

The 33rd PMNCH Board meeting provided an opportunity for members to agree on major priorities and opportunities to advance maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and adolescent well-being goals for the 2021-2025 strategy. Discussions also began on priorities for the 2026-2030 PMNCH Strategy, including positioning its issues in relation to the post-2030 UN development goals.