Sohra (Cherrapunjee), May 16, 2026 – A delegation from the World Bank visited Sohra in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district to assess the progress of key initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare services and empowering adolescents in the state.
The team focused on two major projects: the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP) and the Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience (MPOWER). The visit provided an opportunity to evaluate on-ground implementation, infrastructure upgrades, and community-level interventions in one of the state’s most iconic yet challenging hilly regions.
Healthcare Initiatives Under Review
The delegation began its assessment at the Sohra Community Health Centre (CHC), which is being upgraded into a First Referral Unit (FRU) as part of the state’s Service Delivery Redesign initiative. Officials highlighted the centre’s activation under the Integrated Performance Assessment/Outcome-Based Budgeting (IPA/OBB) framework to improve grassroots healthcare delivery and strengthen referral mechanisms.
The team also visited the Pomlum Primary Health Centre (PHC), where they observed various health and wellness programmes operating at the primary care level. Additionally, they inspected the Sub-Centre at Mawkdok to review infrastructure improvements and rural healthcare planning under the Meghalaya Health Project.
These visits underscored Meghalaya’s efforts to enhance maternal and child health services, upgrade medical facilities, and ensure better access to quality healthcare in remote areas.
Focus on Adolescent Wellbeing
A significant part of the review centred on adolescent welfare programmes under the MPOWER project. The World Bank team interacted with students and facilitators at the Cherra Presbyterian School, where sessions on awareness, resilience-building, and holistic development are being conducted.
They also visited the CMYC centre at Madanlyngki, a community-based hub designed to engage and empower adolescents through targeted activities.
Launched in January 2025 with $35 million in funding, the MPOWER project aims to benefit approximately 500,000 adolescents — who constitute over 24% of Meghalaya’s population. Its key goals include reducing school dropouts, improving reading and mathematics skills among students in grades 6–12, building life skills and mental health awareness, and preparing young people for future employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.
Broader Impact and Context
The World Bank review aligns with Meghalaya’s larger development vision, which includes initiatives like Mission 1000 Days for maternal and child nutrition, and collaborations with partners such as UNICEF. The state has been actively working to address unique challenges posed by its topography and demographic profile through community-driven and outcome-oriented approaches.
This visit by the World Bank team is expected to help refine strategies, ensure effective utilisation of resources, and scale up successful interventions across Meghalaya. While detailed outcomes of the review are yet to be formally shared, the assessment highlights the state’s commitment to building a healthier and more resilient future for its young population.
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