IPH Bengaluru team attend 6th NCTOH

IPH Bengaluru team attend 6th NCTOH

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Blog, Chronic Health Conditions, Latest Updates

Faculty and staff from the Cluster on Chronic Health Conditions & Public Policy at the Institute of Public Health (IPH) Bengaluru attended the 6th National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) organized by the International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Delhi. The conference witnessed participation from representatives of government agencies, academia, civil-society organizations, and individuals working on tobacco control and public health research.

Dr. Upendra Bhojani, Faculty IPH Bengaluru and DTB/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Senior Fellow presented a couple of paper and a poster in the conference. These presentations dealt with ‘gender and tobacco’ as well as findings from his DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance intermediate fellowship work: the “Deciphering Epidemic of Epic Proportion” (DEEP) project (2018-2023). Recognizing the unique approach and methods used in the DEEP project as well as the long-standing work in tobacco control, the conference organizers conferred a “champions award” to IPH Bengaluru for its significant contributions for tobacco control.

 Mr. Anand Kumar, a Research Officer at the IPH Bengaluru presented a paper based on the findings from the DEEP project that dealt with the role of tobacco businesses in public policy over time in Indian states. Dr. Lathadevi Chilgod of IPH Bengaluru presented about lessons from the Anusthana project – a DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Early Career Fellowship awarded to Dr Pragati Hebbar (2018-2023) – about co-production of knowledge about tobacco control amongst diverse actors.  She also presented a poster based on the findings from the DEEP project on concerns of Indian parliamentarians about tobacco over 1990-2017 period.

 Dr. Ketki Shah, a doctoral student with the IPH Bengaluru and the Trans-Disciplinary University of Health Sciences and Technology presented a poster about an integrative review of literature about factors shaping livelihood choices of workers in tobacco sector.

The conference also featured an art exhibit “Tobacco & Society” featuring six pencil-on-paper drawings by Dr. Upendra Bhojani locating tobacco use within historical and socio-cultural contexts. The exhibit engaged several delegates on issues related to tobacco use and control and received appreciation.

IPH Bengaluru staff participated in several conference sessions and networked with delegates across various institutions and states. On the whole, they had a wonderful opportunity to learn, network and contribute to tobacco control through this conference. We acknowledge the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance fellowships awarded to Dr Upendra Bhojani (No. IA/CPHS/22/1/506533) and Dr Pragati Hebbar (No. IA/CPHI/22/1/506537) for supporting travel and participation of IPH Bengaluru staff in this conference.

 

Launch of IPH as TBPPM Learning Network, India Chapter National Secretariat

Launch of IPH as TBPPM Learning Network, India Chapter National Secretariat

by | Dec 8, 2023 | Blog, Health Services, Latest Updates

“Launch of IPH as TBPPM Learning Network, India Chapter National Secretariat” 

Fostering Collaboration for TB Prevention and Care

In a significant stride toward advancing TB prevention and care efforts in India, the Institute of Public Health Bengaluru (IPH Bengaluru) was officially unveiled as the National Secretariat to host the TB Public Private Mix Learning Network (TBPPM-LN), India Chapter.

About TBPPM-LN India:
The TBPPM-LN, an offshoot of the global initiative launched in 2021, has rapidly grown into a dynamic community of practitioners focusing on private sector engagement in TB care. With India carrying the highest burden of TB and large proportion of initial care seek being the private sector, PPM in TB became imperative. The need for cross learning in TB PPM space by all stakeholders in India led to the establishment of a dedicated chapter within the global network. The formation of an Advisory Board set the roadmap for the TBPPM-LN India chapter.
The TBPPM-LN India chapter, a neutral platform is dedicated to documenting PPM action (Launch at Union Conference 2023, Paris was 1. TB PPM Compendium – compilation of TB-PPM initiatives that presents the wealth of PPM lessons from India and 2. Documentary- TBPPM Virtual Field Visits), providing targeted learning opportunities (Profiling of dynamic NGO database for PPSA eligibility), facilitating community interaction, implementing mentor-mentee program, hosting webinars, and digitizing the knowledge platform (repository of TB PPM resources). These activities aim to accelerate TB-related initiatives across India and bring us closer to the common goal of ending TB.

IPH Bengaluru’s Role:
Selected after a meticulous evaluation of three institutions (IPH, ISB, PSPH), IPH Bengaluru emerged as the ideal choice based on its expertise in public health research, learning management, capacity to host and alignment with organizational priorities. The IPH is a public health research, non-profit organization established with a vision to create an equitable, integrated, decentralized, and participatory health system within a just and empowered society.  

The National Secretariat launch event marked a pivotal moment in the TBPPM-LN India journey, aligning with the local context, fostering domestic fundraising for future sustainability and aligning with CTD/NTSU and their ongoing PPM efforts.


Launch Highlights:
The official launch event was held virtually on Nov 23rd, witnessed the presence of esteemed members, including the TBPPM Advisory Committee, TB PPM Global team/India team, PPM Implementers (REACH, DFY, WHP), Head of IAPSM, NGOs, a government official from NTSU and IPH staff. Engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and collaborative networking were the hallmarks of the occasion.

Key actionable points included were:

  • Knowledge dissemination through articles, blogs, newsletters, and feature stories.
  • Nurture a community of practitioners in their TB PPM journey.
  • Facilitate and coordinate South-South collaboration.
  • Bringing together various stakeholders to work on a particular research agenda.

Future Prospects: 

With the launch of the TBPPM India National Secretariat, the network is poised for significant progress. IPH Bengaluru will play a central role in coordinating TB PPM activities and generating knowledge products that will benefit TB PPM practitioners across the nation.

IPH faculty member Dr. Upendra Bhojani participated in ITM Colloquium in Katmandu, Nepal

IPH faculty member Dr. Upendra Bhojani participated in ITM Colloquium in Katmandu, Nepal

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Blog, Chronic Health Conditions, Latest Updates

Dr. Upendra Bhojani, Faculty & DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Senior fellow at the Institute of Public Health Bengaluru participated in the 64th ITM Colloquium 2023. The Colloquium, jointly organised by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp) and the Nepal Health Research Council in Kathmandu (20-23 November 2023), focused on the theme of “Understanding the Global Landscape of Disease Burden in the Context of Climate Change”. Upendra presented on how tobacco impacts environment throughout its lifecycle (cultivation, curing, production, consumption, product waste) and how this signifies a wicked public policy problem requiring high-level inter-sectoral coordination.  On the first day, a meeting was organised of ITM alumni. Upendra (being a PhD alumnus 2010-2016) also participated in the meeting. Upendra also put up an art exhibit themed ‘Tobacco & Society’ comprising of six pencil-on-paper drawings with curated text locating tobacco within sociocultural and historical contexts. Upendra gave a talk as part of the ITM Alumni meeting using these drawings.

Health Equity Network India (HENI) – 23rd Equilogues

Health Equity Network India (HENI) – 23rd Equilogues

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Blog, Health Equilogues, Latest Updates

Date

25-January-2024 Thursday

Register Now

Time

3:30-5:00 PM IST

Theme: Health of Adivasi communities in Chamarajanagar southern India, Experiences and Perspective of the Zilla budakattu Girijana Abhivruddhi Sangha (ZBGAS)

Background: The 23rd Equilogue of the Health Equity Network India will introduce the work done by Academia and indigenous social movements. Our decade-old work on health and health care issues of indigenous communities is based on participatory approaches and the coproduction of research knowledge to be used for policy engagement for new programmes or suitable modification for existing programs. Our intent is to include the voices and lived experiences of the communities in the design and implementation of the programmes meant for their betterment. A brief introduction to our work is attached.

Format: A Panel Discussion will feature members of the Zila Budakattu Girijana Abhivruddhi Sangha (ZBGAS) of Karnataka. Panelists include Dr. C Made Gouda (Secretary ZBGAS), Mr. Muttiah (President Adivasi Samanvay Mach, a collective of  400 Forest Associated Tribal communities across India), and Mrs. Puttamma (Member district Forest Rights Act Implementation Committee, Chamarajanagar). The panel will be moderated by C Mahadeva from the Institute of Public Health. The panel will be followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Speakers

Dr. C Made Gowda

Dr. C Made Gowda

Dr. C Madegowda is a social scientist and adivasi leader has been involved in the indigenous community-based organisation since the beginning. He is also part of state level /district forest rights act implementation committee, Vice president LAMPS BR hills, Member District Tribal Health Navigator programme Chamarajanagar, Secretary biligiri ranganatha swamy soligara samskarana kendra. He works with Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) Bangalore as a post-doctoral fellow and project manager.

Mr. Muttiah

Mr. Muttiah

Mr. Muttiah is an activist, and a Adivasi leader. He has worked extensively with ZBGAS and soliga Abhivruddhi Sangha from grass roots. he has authored a book chapter related to tribal communities, member subdivisional level forest rights act committee  Kollegal member district Chamarajanagar  district child rights protection committee.

Mrs. Puttamma

Mrs. Puttamma

Mrs. Puttamma is the president of the taulka tribal women’s association she is one of the women leaders from the Soliga community. She is an active participant in various meetings with district administration. she also works with other two Adivasi communities (Jenu kuruba and Betta Kuruba) in Chamarajanagar.

Moderator

Mr. C Mahadev

Mr. C Mahadev

Mr. C Mahadev (Community Engagements Specialist Institute of Public Health). He is the former president of ZBGAS, presently the coordinator for 6 southern Indian states for Adiavsi Samnvay manch Bharath New Delhi. He is working with public and policy engagement for CTRITH a team science grant by DBT/Wellcome/ India Alliance.

The panel discussion will be in kannada the conversation will be translated into in Hindi and English.

IPH Bengaluru Annual Day Oration 2023

IPH Bengaluru Annual Day Oration 2023

by | Aug 9, 2023 | Blog, Events, IPH Annual Day oration series, Latest Updates

Date

01-September-2023

Time

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Venue

IPH Bengaluru Campus

We are thrilled to invite you to the ‘Annual Day 2023’ of the Institute of Public Health Bengaluru. This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 18 years of dedication and excellence in the field of public health. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our valued collaborators, committee members, adjunct faculty, honorary associates, ex-employees, well-wishers, and staff who have been an integral part of our journey.

The IPH Bengaluru Oration series is an event open to the public. Please feel free to share the information with others in your networks

About Orator

Pathogens, People & Planet

Pranay Lal

Pranay Lal

Pranay Lal is an Indian author: ‘Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent’ and ‘Invisible Empire: The Natural History of Viruses’ have gained prominent global recognition. A trained biochemist, he has worked in nonprofit sectors across public health, environment and climate change

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Health Equity Network India (HENI) – the 21st Equilogues

Health Equity Network India (HENI) – the 21st Equilogues

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Blog, Health Equilogues, Latest Updates

Date

31-March-2023 Friday

Time

3:00-4:30 PM IST

Theme: Leaving no one behind:
Understanding the gaps in the current approach to ensuring UHC in India

Background: Universal Health Coverage is intended to “leave no one behind”, and yet often falls far short of this goal, even in the best of circumstances and when intentions are earnest. This panel will focus on recent research on the reach, acceptability, and impact of UHC schemes on access to healthcare for socially excluded communities (Indigenous communities and older widows living alone) in the South Indian state of Kerala. Drawing on concrete examples, the speakers will highlight the limitations of relying on health insurance and the presence of health facilities alone to achieve UHC in India.

Format: The Health Equity Network India is pleased to host Dr. Sunil George and Mr. Ramu KA at its 21st Equilogue. The session will comprise a research presentation from Dr. George based on his doctoral research on inclusion in Universal Health Coverage in India, followed by reflections from Mr. Ramu, his Indigenous research collaborator from Attapadi in Palakkad, Kerala. The session will be introduced with opening remarks from Ms. Gloria Benny from The George Institute, India, and will be moderated by Prof. Rakhal Gaitonde from SCTIMST, Trivandrum, Kerala.

Speakers

Dr. Sunil George

Dr. Sunil George

Dr. Sunil George is currently a Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Canberra, Australia. He has several years of experience of working with socially excluded communities and their ability to access healthcare services. Dr. George began his career in public health as an advocate for access to treatment for People living with HIV/AIDS in south India in the early 2000s. He has worked with a wide range of community-based organisations in India, South Africa, and Australia where he carried out qualitative and mixed methods research to understand the determinants of access to healthcare among different socially excluded groups. His doctoral thesis explored the issue of Universal Health Coverage and its impact on access to healthcare for two socially excluded communities i.e., Indigenous (Adivasi) and Older widows living alone, in the south Indian state of Kerala.

Mr. Ramu K.A.

Mr. Ramu K.A.

Ramu K.A. is an Adivasi activist who belongs to the Muduga community from Attapadi, Kerala. He has been at the forefront of advocating for social and political determinants of health, including restoring the lands that were alienated from the Irula, Muduga, and Kurumba communities living in Attapadi. Ramu continues to farm on his ancestral lands while being an advocate for the rights of his community.

Introduction by

Ms. Gloria Benny

Ms. Gloria Benny

Gloria Benny is working as a Research Assistant at The George Institute, in India. Gloria Benny holds a master’s degree in Development and a bachelor’s degree in Medical Sociology. She is developing her expertise in qualitative research. She has over five years of experience working with tribal and rural populations in southern and central India. Gloria has a strong interest in research topics within the ecosystem of Health systems and Social Participation in Health. Currently, she is involved in a health systems study on health equity and Universal Health Coverage.

Moderator

Prof. Rakhal Gaitonde

Prof. Rakhal Gaitonde

The session will be moderated by Dr. Rakhal Gaitonde, Professor, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala. His work largely focuses on health policy, the social determinants of health, and health systems. He was involved in setting up a people-controlled health system in Maharashtra with Foundation for Research in Community Health. He has been involved with the Society for Community Health Awareness Research and Action (SOCHARA), where he was involved in the implementation of the NRHM in Tamil Nadu. He is also a member of the National ASHA Mentoring Group of the NHM.