India's RMNCH+A Strategy: approach, learnings and limitations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Strengthening
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• India's Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) Strategy (2013) aimed to address health inequities.
• It focused on vulnerable populations and poor-performing districts, integrating life-stage interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the RMNCH+A Strategy's approach to improving healthcare delivery.
• To identify factors limiting its impact and inform future health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of RMNCH+A interventions in 184 High Priority Districts.
• Establishment of a dedicated institutional framework with technical support from development partners.
• Prioritization of health facilities and a supportive supervision mechanism for monitoring.

Main Results:

• The strategy fostered an integrated, systems-based approach to public health challenges.
• It improved efficiency and effectiveness in public healthcare delivery through defined priorities and partnerships.
• Identification of 184 High Priority Districts for targeted RMNCH+A interventions.

Conclusions:

• The RMNCH+A Strategy established a comprehensive framework for addressing health disparities.
• Lack of robust monitoring and evaluation, and limited focus on social determinants, constrained its overall impact.
• Learnings informed the development of the 'Aspirational Districts Program' for holistic health improvement.