Meghalaya’s approach to reduce MMR honoured in Berlin

Meghalaya’s innovative approach to reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) has been honoured as a jury favourite at the Creative Bureaucracy Festival held in Berlin in June 5.
“This recognition is more than just an award, it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when government leadership works hand-in-hand with committed grassroots networks. Together, we’ve shown that meaningful change begins when people come first, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma posted on X on Saturday.
He added : “There’s still a long journey ahead toward achieving zero maternal and infant mortality, but moments and recognitions like these reaffirm that we are on the right path! Onward, Team Meghalaya!”
The Creative Bureaucracy Festival, organised by the Falling Walls Foundation, brings together over 2,000 global changemakers from 30+ countries and showcases bold innovations in public administration.
Meghalaya which had high MMR has witnessed rapid reduction by 56 per cent in the death of mothers during and after child delivery over the past five years due to the consistent efforts of the state government through the MOTHER App and other interventions of the state government for safe motherhood.
“The state government adopted two key practices to build local leadership and purpose. First, cross-sector teams were established at every level, and village health councils were empowered to identify and solve local challenges. Our health workers hold regular reviews and field visits reconnected citizens with state systems. These helped align goals, raise issues, and build trust,” a health official said.