Raphael Warjri

A high-level delegation from UNICEF on Wednesday called on Conrad K. Sangma at the State Guest House, Taraghar, in Shillong to review the progress of ongoing collaborative interventions in maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, and adolescent development across the State.

The delegation, after undertaking a two-day field visit in Meghalaya, commended the State Government’s grassroots-driven approach towards improving immunization coverage, reducing maternal mortality, and strengthening nutrition outcomes through community participation and institutional convergence.

UNICEF officials also lauded Meghalaya’s integrated healthcare model under Mission 1000 Days, describing the initiative as a significant step towards addressing child stunting and improving maternal and child health indicators during the crucial first 1,000 days of life.

The delegation further appreciated the State’s focus on youth engagement, particularly the Young People’s Action Group, terming it a progressive mechanism to institutionalize youth participation in governance and policy formulation.

During the interaction, Conrad Sangma reiterated that Meghalaya’s development roadmap is anchored on human capital development through data-driven, community-led, and multi-sectoral interventions. He highlighted the State’s progress in tackling key developmental challenges, including maternal mortality, malnutrition, infant mortality, and immunization gaps.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to continue extending technical and institutional support to Meghalaya in strengthening child health systems, nutrition programmes, adolescent empowerment, and community-led development initiatives.