STAR Supported Institutions

Child In Need Institute (CINI) is a Kolkata based institution, working to achieve sustainable development among poor communities in since 1974. CINI implements field programs, training and research to achieve positive health and nutrition status of women and children in target communities. CINI motivates communities to adopt positive health actions and develop effective linkages at different levels especially between the Panchayat and the government health systems. CINI has been working in Jharkand since 1995.

Under the MCH-STAR initiative, CINI is conducting several evidence reviews. The first evidence review and advocacy is on increased accountability to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and the second one is on improving the utilisation of flexible funds under National Rural Health Mission in Jharkand.

The India Clinical Epidemiology Network (IndiaCLEN) is a unique national network of clinical epidemiologists, biostatisticians, social scientists and other health professionals affiliated with key academic healthcare institutions dedicated to improving the health of disadvantaged populations, by promoting equitable healthcare based on the best evidence of effectiveness and the efficient use of resources. IndiaCLEN uses its network to conduct interdisciplinary research on high priority health problems and train future generation of leaders in healthcare research.

Under the MCH-STAR initiative, IndiaCLEN is currently engaged in: (1). A study on the Reach, Effectiveness and Impact of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) Scheme in Jharkhand, India in collaboration with Population Foundation of India (PFI); (2). A study on the Social Determinants and Health Facility Management of Childhood Under-nutrition in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Norway-India Partnership Initiative (NIPI), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and MCH-STAR/USAID; (3). Secondary data analysis of Gender Differentials on RCH Health Seeking Behavior; and (4). Capacity Building of the next generation of epidemiologists.

Population Foundation of India (PFI) is an organization that has historically played a leading role in promoting the effective formulation and implementation of population and development policies, strategies and programs in India. PFI funds and manages innovative projects and supports projects funded by others by providing training, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy activities.

Under the MCH-STAR initiative, PFI is currently engaged in: (1). A study on the Reach, Effectiveness and Impact of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) Scheme in Jharkhand, India in collaboration with Indian Clinical Epidemiology Network (IndiaCLEN); (2). A Concurrent Evaluation of the NRHM Behavior Change Communication Campaign; (3). Development of an online library; (4). A Systematic Review of Birth Preparedness and Complications Readiness; and (5). Secondary data analysis of Gender and Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) with a focus on the effects of Male Involvement on use of RCH Services.

Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is a public-private partnership of the Government of India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and several philanthropic Indian contributors. PHFI is a capacity building initiative for strengthening training, research, and policy development in the field of public health. One of the key goals is to establish institutes of public health in different parts of India. PHFI responds to the daunting challenges of the high national disease burden, unmet need for health care in many regions, and a dearth of well trained public health professionals in India.

Under the MCH-STAR initiative PHFI is currently involved in: (1). Providing technical assistance to the Government of Jharkhand for the operationalization of First Referral Units (FRU’s) across the state to reduce maternal and newborn mortality; (2). Develop and implement a training on Ensuring Quality Assurance in MNCHN; and (3). Launching a newsletter for the public health community that highlights maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition.

State Innovations in Family Planning Services Project Agency (SIFPSA) seeks to facilitate, through innovative means and partnerships with government and other agencies, the goal of health for all by improving the quality, demand, access and delivery of family planning and MCH services and also improving related quality of life parameters including the status of women throughout the state of Uttar Pradesh. With technical support from MCH-STAR, SIFPSA is organizing an Advocacy Workshop on Gender and RCH in Western Uttar Pradesh.