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Localisation: a model strategy for family planning and maternal and newborn healthcare in India

Adapting health interventions to the social, economic, political, ecological, and cultural contexts of local communities increases trust and acceptability for policies and programmes. Locally led initiatives entrust local stakeholders with providing insights into grassroots-level realities and community-sensitive approaches. Global and country-wide evidence also highlights that granting authority and accountability to local stakeholders improves the performance of health indicators and builds acceptability for sensitive issues related to family planning (FP) and maternal and newborn health (MNH). This brief examines the potential of local solutions and the role of localisation in improving FP and MNH outcomes in India.