NITI Aayog Signs Major Nutrition Partnership with UNICEF India to Transform Aspirational Districts
New Delhi: In a major step toward improving maternal and child nutrition in underserved regions, NITI Aayog has signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with UNICEF India to expand nutrition-focused initiatives across Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks.
The collaboration will be implemented through the IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N) platform, which aims to mobilize corporate support and strengthen nutrition programs under POSHAN 2.0.
Partnership to Strengthen Nutrition Ecosystem
The Statement of Intent was formalized in the presence of Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director for the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, and Arjan De Wagt, Deputy Representative (Programs) at UNICEF India.
The initiative aims to accelerate progress on maternal and child health indicators by bringing together government institutions, businesses, and development partners.
Focus on CSR Mobilisation and Community Engagement
Under the partnership, UNICEF India will provide technical expertise through the IMPAct4Nutrition platform, helping connect businesses, public sector enterprises, and industry associations with nutrition-focused development initiatives.
The collaboration will channel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments toward strengthening the nutrition ecosystem in underserved areas.
Key focus areas include:
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Improving Anganwadi infrastructure
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Enhancing nutrition awareness and literacy
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Increasing uptake of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
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Strengthening capacity of frontline health and nutrition workers
Improving Maternal and Child Health Indicators
The initiative also aims to deliver measurable improvements in key nutrition indicators. Efforts will focus on:
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Increasing early antenatal care registration
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Expanding access to supplementary nutrition services
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Reducing malnutrition among children and mothers
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Strengthening the functioning of Anganwadi Centres
With technical support from UNICEF India, the programme will rely on data-driven monitoring systems to ensure sustainable and measurable improvements in nutrition outcomes.
Boost to Inclusive Development
The partnership reinforces the shared commitment of NITI Aayog and UNICEF India to promote impactful public-private collaborations that support inclusive development.
By strengthening nutrition initiatives in Aspirational Districts and Blocks, the programme seeks to address critical health challenges and improve the well-being of vulnerable communities across India.