Grand Challenges India launches ‘All Children Thriving’ initiative

Grand Challenges India, a collaborative effort of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India; the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) – a Government of India enterprise; and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which had rolled out two successful initiatives: ‘Achieving Healthy Growth through Agriculture and Nutrition’ and ‘Reinvent the Toilet Challenge,’ is now launching a third, ‘All Children Thriving’. Undertaken in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the programme aims to ensure that all children not only survive but are also are on a trajectory to live healthy and productive lives.

Dr MK Bhan, Former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India announced this next phase of Grand Challenges India. ‘All Children Thriving’ funds for seed grants are $500,000 for up to two years and full grants are $2.5 million for up to four years and focus on innovative tools and approaches that will drastically alter the public health landscape.

“The partnership between Government of India and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support innovative solutions to global problems has been realized through the Grand Challenge initiatives. On the 10th anniversary of the Grand Challenges meet, we must ensure that the under-privileged have access to health services, good nutrition and proper sanitation facilities. GCI’s new call opportunity attempts to make positive changes in the lives of children in India. This is a major step forward in the DBT-BIRAC-Bill and Melinda Gates Joint Mission,” said Dr Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, DBT, Government of India and Chairman, BIRAC.

“GCI’s announcement indicates that we can make a difference when we work together, and our partnership with BMGF will help us find innovative solutions to address societal needs. DBT and BIRAC are proud to take forward the vision and initiatives of global thrust in developing innovative technologies to achieve sustainable gains to solve human health, food and nutritional inequities” said Dr Renu Swarup, Senior Adviser, DBT, Government of India and Managing Director, BIRAC.

Girindre Beeharry, Director, India Country Office, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stated, “By unlocking creative thinking and new approaches, this challenge aims to give all children the chance to live healthy lives and fulfil their potential. We applaud the Government of India’s continued commitment to harnessing the power of innovation to overcome the problems facing India’s most vulnerable communities.”

Dr Sang E Lee, Agricultural Development Officer, USAID India added, “USAID is thrilled to have joined Grand Challenges India and to encourage the Government of India’s support of appropriate innovative solutions to address the most challenging development problems of our time. It is our hope that India’s leadership in this area will have broad reaching impacts in India and other countries facing similar challenges.”

EP News Bureau – Mumbai