There is a dearth of public health research, education and training worldwide and more so in India. Participatory public health research is also increasing, especially around local environmental issues and among indigenous people. In this context the center will provide the appropriate institutional base, support and leadership of public health essential to meet these demands and bridge the gulf between academic and practical public health professionals and their interests.

Theoretical perspectives in Public Health

The centre will explore and understand experiences in the field of public health and build on theories in the discipline of public health. The relevance of theory building in public health is cardinal as the knowledge offered for public health practice is determined by the theories of public health. Thus theoretical perspectives within public health not only offers evidence base for public health practice but also contributes to the growth of the discipline as the latter depends largely on its own theories and concepts. This will be accomplished based on interactions with public health experts all over India and outside, so that the indigenous theoretical perspectives in Indian Public Health can be developed.

Determinants of health

In recent years, the determinants of health are gaining wider significance than ever before within the field of public health. The WHO report on social determinants highlights its prime importance for reducing the gaps between the ever widening health inequities between and across nations which pose a serious challenge to the world. Equity and social justice hence becomes fundamental while addressing people's health.

Inequities of health in India is visible in terms of its social and economic context along with the provisioning of health services, its delivery and utilisation level across tribal, rural and urban regions..The centre will study the above inequities and their determinants in order to identify possible solutions. Centre would document it and contribute academically both at policy and public arena in resolving some of the health disparities. It would develop its core strength in research and field action activities in demonstarting the processes behind these inequalities and its manifestations on population health.

Centre would concentrate on issues of Malnutrition, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Kala Azar, Leptospirosis, Non communicable diseaes etc. The centre would like to have its field action units both in rural and urban areas to understand and analyze the changing realities affecting the health of the people.

Epidemiologic approach

Epidemiology is the basic science behind public health practice and research. Hence centre will focus on the use of epidemiological approach in generating knowledge in public health and its application in practice. The centre will conduct epidemiological studies of major public health problems especially those in south-east Asia. Knowledge generated will be used in developing models of prevention and control of public health problems. Such models will be implemented in field and its effectiveness evaluated. It will also generate evidence for influencing health policy.

Morbidity Prevalence and Treatment Seeking Behaviour: Gap Analysis for Curative Care Utilization in Maharashtra: [ Download Report ]

Health and Nutritional Needs of Adolescent Girls in Ashram Schools: A Study in Maharashtra: [ Download Report ]