The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership: India-Yash project, led by Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins Affiliate, announced the launch of Udaan Collaborative initiative. This multi-stakeholder collaboration of private sector players including 900+ obstetrician-gynecologists, 6,00+ general physicians, and 7200+ pharmacists, aims to strengthen access to quality Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services and products, and promote accurate health information amongst young people. The initiative works in both urban and rural areas of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, helping early adolescents and young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being through a digital platform offering information on sexual reproductive health and products.
Michelle Lang Alli, Director, USAID/India, Health Office, said, “USAID is honored to partner with the Indian government and the private sector to find innovative solutions to strengthen India’s family planning and reproductive health goals. The Udaan Collaborative will support rural and urban youth to make informed decisions about their health and well-being through a digital platform, providing comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health information and products, thereby fostering a healthier and more knowledgeable generation.”
Dr. Jaydeep Tank, President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, said, “Recognizing the significance of sexual and reproductive health is fundamental to the overall development and welfare of individuals and communities. Through the expansion of Udaan Collaborative, we aim to bring together our network of healthcare providers to drive meaningful change, empowering young people with informed choices.”
Somesh Kumar, Country Director, Jhpiego India said, “A transformative health initiative, Udaan is tailored to the specific needs of the young and youth. It is a dedicated effort aligned with Jhpiego’s vision of shifting the power of healthcare consumption to the individual. Residing on the foundational values of partnership, Udaan will contribute to healthier futures for young people, empowering them with knowledge and safe choices. Over the next few years, the expanded service and product offerings would enable the health and well-being of all who come across Udaan providers”.
Prachi Garg, External Affairs Lead, Organon added, “We congratulate Jhpiego and extend our appreciation for the Udaan initiative. Building a strong continuum of care involving private sector partners is important for ensuring wider access to quality healthcare services. Udaan is delivering on important elements such as demand generation, increasing awareness among youth, training of healthcare providers, widening the basket of contraceptive choices, and most importantly building an ecosystem to deliver sexual and reproductive health services respectfully.”
Udaan Collaborative offers a unified digital platform that blends chatbots, helplines, and online consultations to provide accurate knowledge and easy access to SRH products and services. Udaan’s mascot, “Futurika”, helps facilitate meaningful dialogues on safe SRH practices and subtly induces behavior change, motivating youth to prioritize sexual health and informed decision-making.