BFI & UNICEF Partner To Strengthen India's Health Systems With $2.1M Investment

Blockchain for Impact (BFI) and UNICEF have announced a partnership to support the Government of India in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through strengthened health systems and a focus on community-based primary health care. The partnership will reprogram USD 2.1 million to fund two transformative projects aimed at improving the rights to life and health for all children, particularly the most disadvantaged. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Sandeep Nailwal, Founder of BFI, and Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India, in Delhi.

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 goal is to ensure equitable access to and utilisation 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, enhancing the state’s ability to address complex public health challenges and creating more accountable, reliable, and equitable health systems. This evidence-based investment in human-centred primary health care at the district level will promote health and wellbeing through quality health care services based on people-centred solutions, multisectoral policies and plans, and community participation.

Sandeep Nailwal, Founder of Blockchain For Impact, emphasised the innovative approach of this partnership: "BFI, in partnership with UNICEF, is revolutionising 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."

Additionally, the partnership will establish 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. Utilising 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.

This strategic alliance, operating within the India District Full Stack Fund (IDFS) vertical of BFI, represents a significant advancement in public health strengthening and collaborative problem-solving. By addressing critical gaps, fostering accountability, and enhancing resilience, the partnership aims to fortify health systems across seven states in India.