UNICEF officials hold consultation with Nagaland health department

April 20, 2023 32 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, APRIL 20 (MExN): The Chief Field Office, UNICEF for Assam and North East, India, Dr Madhulika Jonathan along with Ashish Dadwal, Health Specialist, North East State (Except Assam), visited Nagaland on April 19.

They called upon the Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS along with the Principal Director, DoHFW, Nagaland, Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachu and had a consultative meeting with the department’s officials at the IDSP Conference Hall of DoHFW, Kohima.

Sema expressed his appreciation towards UNICEF for their constant support in the area of Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) in the state; support to Aspirational District; along with technical support and timely supply of essential medical logistics especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Madhulika also congratulated the effort of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the sustained low infant mortality rate. She stressed on the need for improving antenatal care coverage, institutional delivery, and full Immunisation coverage for every child to survive and thrive. She stressed on the need to streamline the existing blood bank services in the State.

Sema while admitting that awareness needs to be created in the minds of people to donate blood for the needy people, conveyed his appreciation to all blood donors, particularly from the armed forces towards voluntary blood donation in Nagaland.

The State and UNICEF further agreed to collaborate in the area RMNCH+A through capacity building, technical support, supportive mentoring visits and other areas of support as feasible. The Commissioner and Secretary, DoHFW stressed on the need of revamping the communitisation of health facilities, awareness generation through involvement of churches and faith leaders for which UNICEF shall also be extending support.

Sema called for continued collaboration between UNICEF and development partners especially in the area of maternal, newborn and child health to ensure that no one is left behind. He mentioned that UNICEF and State partnership would further be strengthened through the meeting. The UNICEF team also visited health facilities and had a positive interaction with the health care workers.