MGIMS, Sevagram recently collaborated with Meghalaya's Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM), fostering innovative approaches for early childhood development.
In 2023, Mr. Sampath Kumar, Development Commissioner of Meghalaya, accompanied by key members from MECDM, visited MGIMS to explore its innovations in ECD. Drawing inspiration from Maharashtra's Aarambh initiative, implemented by MGIMS in partnership with Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra and UNICEF, Meghalaya aims to revolutionize its ECD landscape.
In November 2023, MECDM signed an MoU with MGIMS, solidifying their commitment to adopt proven strategies from Aarambh. Subsequently, in January, MGIMS experts conducted a comprehensive study in Meghalaya, tailoring ECD interventions to suit local contexts.
Recently, in May 2024, the Aarambh team supported the state create a pool of 90 master trainers across key departments; DWCD, Health Department and Livelihood Mission. These trainers, brimming with enthusiasm, are poised to cascade their knowledge to frontline workers across the whole state, ensuring widespread impact.
Dr Subodh Gupta, Professor of Community Medicine at MGIMS along with Dr Simin Irani, Senior Neonatologist and UNICEF consultant, visited the Nutritional Rehabilitation Center and the District Early Intervention Center at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong. They briefed Mr Sampath Kumar, the Development Commissioner and Mr Ramkumar, MD, National Health Mission and suggested way forward. "This collaboration epitomizes our shared commitment to nurturing the youngest members of our society, laying the foundation for a brighter future", says Dr Subodh Gupta.