Blockchain for Impact (BFI) partners with UNICEF to strengthen India's health systems with $2.1M investment

Blockchain for Impact (BFI) and UNICEF have announced a significant partnership to bolster the Government of India's efforts in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The partnership focuses on enhancing health systems and prioritizing community-based primary health care.

The collaboration entails reprogramming $2.1 million to fund two transformative projects aimed at improving the rights to life and health for all children, particularly the most disadvantaged.

Leadership comments

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this partnership was signed in Delhi by Sandeep Nailwal, Founder of BFI, and Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India.

Emphasizing the innovative approach of the collaboration, Sandeep Nailwal stated, "BFI, in partnership with UNICEF, is revolutionizing philanthropy by adopting Human-Centered Design (HCD) to tackle complex public health challenges. By focusing on problem-centric strategies, we address the real needs of communities and service providers. This approach leads to practical, impactful solutions, fostering better health outcomes and building stronger, more resilient communities."

Employing human-centric design principles 

Over the next two years, this partnership will employ human-centric design principles and grassroots-driven solutions to support pregnant women, newborns, children, and adolescents, especially those most vulnerable.

The initiative aims to ensure equitable access to and utilization of gender-responsive quality health services and the adoption of healthy behaviours.

Key to this initiative is the strengthening of the State Health Resource Center in Meghalaya, which will enhance the state’s ability to address complex public health challenges and create more accountable, reliable, and equitable health systems.

What specific programs will be implemented?

The collaboration includes the establishment of a pan-India health and climate resilience fellowship aimed at bolstering state and ground partner capacity across seven states. The India Health Fellowship Program will provide comprehensive technical support to public health systems at both state and district levels.

Utilizing Human-Centered Design principles and systems thinking, the program aims to empower health departments with effective problem-solving tools and methodologies. The initiative will also include capacity building, mentorship, and exposure visits for stakeholders at various levels.