Workshop imparts training to state’s health associates

SHILLONG, July 9: The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the UNICEF, Blockchain for Impact (BFI), and IIT Mumbai, co-hosted a state workshop on the ‘Human-Centered Design (HCD) Initiative’ in Meghalaya.
This workshop provided training for district health associates from across the state, focusing on the basics of health systems, data systems, multi-sectoral programming, and data analytics, aligning with the health priorities of the state government.
Part of UNICEF’s and the India Health and Climate Resilience Fund (IHCRF)’s efforts, the initiative aims to develop local, sustainable solutions under the state government’s guidance. The HCD Initiative seeks to enhance primary health care through supply-side and demand-side interventions, using data, innovation, and multi-sectoral approaches to ensure equity and efficiency in delivering quality healthcare.
The programme addresses public health problems through the HCD approach. Teams from the National Health Mission (NHM), UNICEF, and the State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC) shared various datasets to help identify gaps and priority areas for Meghalaya.
During the workshop, Ramkumar S, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), emphasised the importance of this initiative
“State capacity is essential to enable our people to be fully productive. The HCD approach will empower our fellows to design and implement strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of our communities, addressing critical issues in health, nutrition and rural development,” he said.
Others who were part of the workshop included various stakeholders, including government officials, health experts and community leaders.