Addressing gaps in reproductive health services is critical in India, where maternal mortality remains above the global average, and vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities often lack access to quality care. The USAID-funded New Partnerships Initiative EXPAND (NPI EXPAND) project, implemented by Palladium, made significant strides in tackling these challenges.

Through local partnerships, innovative solutions, and community engagement, NPI EXPAND transformed how family planning and reproductive health services are delivered in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha.

Since October 2022, NPI EXPAND, which recently closed, has trained over 1,900 health professionals in gender and social inclusion, family planning counselling, and disability-inclusive care. More than 4,200 community volunteers and 1,000 women’s self-help group leaders have also been trained to promote modern contraceptives and improve contraceptive access.

These efforts are bridging the divide between healthcare providers and marginalised populations, ensuring that reproductive health services reach those who need them most.

“The bottom-up planning process prioritises community needs and brings together diverse stakeholders,” notes Jeff Barnes, Chief of Party for NPI EXPAND, underscoring the importance of community-driven approaches.

Two recent events organised by NPI EXPAND in India—one in Nuapada, Odisha, and another in Ranchi, Jharkhand—provided platforms to share lessons learned, celebrate successes, and forge stronger partnerships between government officials, health experts, and community leaders.

And in a newly published report, the team shares lessons learned from the events and how marginalised communities can receive high-quality care and demand reproductive rights.

Through training, community mobilisation, and inclusive strategies, NPI EXPAND is creating lasting change. “The real measure of success in India’s health sector is the ability to create lasting change that resonates at the grassroots level,” says Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium India. “By empowering communities with the right knowledge and tools, we can build a healthier future for all.”

For more insights from the events, read the report or contact info@thepalladiumgroup.com.