Lucknow: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), a reputed global NGO, has described the Covid management of Uttar Pradesh as “an example to the world”. A BMGF delegation met CM Yogi Adityanath at Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday and discussed with him ways of enhancing technical cooperation in the fields of health, nutrition and agriculture.
Speaking on the occasion, Marks Suzman, CEO of BMGF, said: “Having observed Covid management of many countries where we work, it would be fair to say that India, especially Uttar Pradesh, was far better in Covid management than even the United States. The way the state’s leadership tackled population density and various social challenges to control the pandemic is commendable.”
During the talks, the delegation expressed its willingness to work closely with Uttar Pradesh Government for the betterment of the agriculture sector and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Uttar Pradesh.
On his part, CM Yogi said that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has made commendable contribution in the field of health and nutrition. He remarked: “The foundation has played important role in effective implementation of the State Government’s schemes for the poor. They have also been providing technical support in the agriculture sector in recent years”.
CM Yogi added: “The latest National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) results reveal that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed phenomenal improvement in the field of health and nutrition in the recent past. On many parameters, our performance is better than the national average, thanks to the support we received from the BMGF.”
According to the CM, the UP Government also received foundation’s support in tackling Covid, which not only provided testing kits, but also helped in setting up dedicated Covid hospitals in Noida, Gonda and Prayagraj. “The foundation has always provided us constructive support and we are thankful for this”, the CM said.
The Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh has achieved remarkable success in the field of health and nutrition in the recent years. For example, premature deaths of many children from encephalitis for past four decades have been controlled by 95 percent, he pointed out.
He, however, added that much needs to be done in the field of health security in Uttar Pradesh and, therefore, the State Government is setting up a medical college in each district on the lines of one district one product scheme so that there is no dearth of doctors. Availability of skilled nursing/paramedics still remains a big challenge, the CM said, adding that the foundation can “support us in creating a team of qualified, skilled and professional nursing staff and paramedics”, in addition to promoting this on the digital platform.
“Immense potential for development in agriculture”
Meanwhile, the CM said that agriculture was his government’s priority as the sector has immense potential for development. “Uttar Pradesh is endowed by nature with abundant water resources and fertile land. In the last five years, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State Government has encouraged use of innovative technologies and agricultural diversification to increase productivity and benefit farmers.”
Yogi said that UP’s agricultural universities are rich in resources. Krishi Vigyan Kendras have also been established. “So, BMGF’s global experience will be useful for us in connecting with farmers, provide them technological training and make them aware of the various research works being done in terms of innovative farming.
The Chief Minister said that BLGF can cooperate with the State Government in further strengthening the Self Help Groups. “The BMGF’s global hands-on experience and technical knowhow will help us in making SHGs more effective.”
He said that the State Government has also received cooperation from other global organisations like UNICEF, WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and PATH Gates Foundation in the field of public health, including in controlling various water borne diseases. Such efforts will be continued in future also with mutual cooperation.
