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UNFPA India

UNFPA In Bihar

Introduction

With 8.5% of India's population, Bihar is home to the country’s second-largest adolescent demographic. This youthful energy, along with a significant number of women in their reproductive years, presents a powerful opportunity for economic growth and development.

In recent years, Bihar has made notable progress in health, with declining fertility and mortality rates.

Ensuring equitable opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities, is key to unlocking Bihar’s full potential. Addressing these challenges can enable Bihar to pave the way for a future where every individual thrives, driving sustainable growth, equity, and lasting prosperity.

Priority Districts: Sheikhpura, Khagaria, and Katihar

Partnering for a Healthier, More Equitable Future

UNFPA and the Government of Bihar

The 10th country programme envisions an India where every woman and young person, particularly the most vulnerable, achieves gender equality, fully realises their sexual and reproductive health rights, and contributes to sustainable development.

Strategic Approach

UNFPA supports government initiatives to accelerate progress toward people-centred development—through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

Strategic Approach

For over a Decade

UNFPA has been working in Bihar, partnering with the state departments to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

For over a Decade

Three Goals

Ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Three Goals

Our Focus Areas and Programmes

In Bihar, UNFPA works closely with government and community partners to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, empower adolescents and youth with knowledge and life skills, promote gender equality, and leverage demographic intelligence to drive inclusive and sustainable development.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

UNFPA in Bihar is committed to ensuring equitable access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare for all. Our initiatives aim to address critical needs and deliver meaningful, sustainable improvements in health and well-being.

Strengthening Health Systems: We enhance healthcare infrastructure to provide comprehensive, rights-based sexual and reproductive health services.
Ensuring Quality of Care: We support national programs like LaQshya and SUMAN to ensure high-quality and dignified maternal and reproductive healthcare, particularly for marginalised women.
Supporting Midwifery Training: We provide technical assistance for the rollout of the Midwifery Programme to improve maternal health services.
Advocating for Family Planning: We lead the Family Planning 2030 Forum, engage in policy dialogues, and promote rights-based approaches to address the unmet need for contraception.
Expanding the Basket of Choices: We introduce new contraceptives, ensure quality assurance, and broaden options to meet the diverse needs of women and young people.

Youth and Adolescents

Connecting Skills and Opportunities: We equip young people, especially girls, with skills and awareness on bodily autonomy, leadership, and active participation.
Fostering Positive Masculinity: We encourage young men to adopt healthy behaviours and challenge harmful gender norms.
Strengthening Government Initiatives: We provide technical assistance for large-scale programs like Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and the School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP).
Addressing Reproductive Health Needs: We ensure better integration of Adolescent Health and Family Planning programs.
Engaging with Policymakers: We advocate for greater investment in youth health and amplify youth voices in decision-making.
Leaving No One Behind: We previously collaborated with the Department of Minority Welfare and Bihar State Madrasa Education Board to implement the Adolescence Education Programme, Taalim-i-Naubalighan (T-i-N).
Empowering Youth Collectives: We strengthen local youth networks to combat gender-based violence, child marriage, and harmful practices.

Gender and Social Norms

Empowering Through Capacity Building and Gender Sensitisation

We strengthen the Women and Child Development Corporation (WCDC) to implement laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (PWDV) Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act.
We expand and improve One Stop Centres (OSCs) to support survivors of gender-based violence.
We enhance the health sector’s response to gender-based violence through capacity-building initiatives.
We support the enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to prevent gender-biased sex selection.
We actively advocate for gender-transformative policies at the state level.

Promoting Women in Governance Through Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats

We strengthen the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to establish Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats and provide technical support to develop gender-inclusive Gram Panchayat Development Plans through training and guidance.

Population Dynamics

Harnessing Demographic Intelligence: We strengthen the use of population data and analytics for evidence-based policymaking and planning.
Advancing Global Commitments: We support the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and work toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Generating Evidence for Change: We research patriarchal norms and harmful practices to drive policy change.
Building Capacities for Action: We train policymakers and advocate for progressive, inclusive policies at the state level.

VISION 2027: MEASURABLE IMPACT

54,000

Teenage Pregnancies Averted

Drop from 11% to 7% Source: NFHS-5 & UNFPA estimates [1]

54,000

1.9M

New Users of Modern Family Planning Methods

Increase modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) from 44.4% to 48.5 [1]

1.9M

1M

Women with Family Planning Access

Unmet need reduced from 13.6% to 8.6% [1]

1M

92,000

Child Marriages Prevented

Drop from 40.8% to 36% [1]

92,000

From 916 → 908

Improved sex ratio at birth, showing fewer girls missing and progress towards gender equity [2]

From 916 → 908

4,300

Maternal Deaths Averted

MMR reduction from 118 to 90/100,000 live births [2]

4,300

Partnerships That Shaped Our Journey

Department of Health

State Health Society Bihar

Department of Minority Welfare

Bihar State Madrasa Education Board

Women and Child Development Corporation

Department of Education

State Council of Educational Research and Training

Patna Municipal Corporation

Department of Panchayati Raj

Bihar State AIDS Control Society

SC and ST Welfare Department