Bhubaneswar: Mission director National Health Missioin, Odisha, Salini Pandit Friday said that Challenged Initiatives for Healthy Cities (TCIHC) is strengthening city-level health systems and improving Family Planning (FP) and Maternal & New Born Health(MNH) services for urban poor in three cities of Odisha- Berhampur, Rourkela and Puri.
Pandit, while addressing a one-day State Conclave on Urban Health, here on Friday, said, although there have been evidence of improvement in maternal mortality, infant mortality and institutional delivery in recent past, but wide difference exists between urban and rural population. “In order to address the current situation,” she added, ” We have to scale up proven solutions to improve health outcomes of urban poor with the support of USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through MCSP and TCI.”
The mission director emphasised on adolescent health and mobilizing communities to raise demand and building capacities of facilities . She suggested the districts to scale up their activities in this regards under NUHM Odisha.
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The Conclave, jointly organised by National Health Mission Odisha in partnership with the Challenged Initiatives for Healthy Cities (TCIHC) led by Population Services International (PSI), presented cross learning opportunities on Access, Choice and Quality of Family Planning (FP) and Maternal & Newborn (MNH) health services for the urban poor. The conclave also unveiled tool kits on nine proven High Impact Approaches (HIAs) in Urban FP & MNH.
Mukesh, Director Program, TCIHC briefed on strategy for increased participation in FP and other key learnings. Dr Amit Arun Shah of USAID mentioned about strong partnership with NHM Odisha and added to scale up evidence based high impact approaches of urban health with the support of the government. Mrunal Kanti Das AMD NHM emphasized on collective support required for urban health facilities in providing comprehensive health services to urban poor.
A high profile panel discussion was organised for exploring opportunities to reach urban poor with FB and MNH needs.
