Symposium: Evidence-based Health Interventions to Close the Healthcare Gap
Bridging Evidence and Action: Advancing Health Equity for Tribal and Indigenous Communities
Why This Symposium Matters
Across India and beyond, communities are grappling with the challenges of health inequities, the quadruple burden of disease, and the urgent need for culturally responsive care. The Australia Awards Fellows Symposium in Kolkata is more than just a gathering — it’s a platform to exchange ideas, showcase evidence-based solutions, and shape the future of healthcare for marginalized populations.
This is where mid-career professionals, academics, researchers, policymakers, and advocates come together. It’s where global collaboration meets local action. And it’s where your voice and expertise can help close the gap in health outcomes.
Who Should Attend
This symposium is designed for:
🩺 Mid-career health professionals and practitioners seeking to apply evidence-based solutions in real-world settings 📚 Researchers, academics, and students eager to engage with cutting-edge work in public and global health 🌱 Policymakers and advocates passionate about Indigenous health and culturally responsive practices 🌍 Global health leaders and collaborators committed to equity, justice, and sustainable impact
What You’ll Gain
By joining this symposium, you will:
Connect with leading experts from India, Australia, and beyond
Learn about evidence implementation frameworks that transform research into practice
Discover innovations in health systems, workforce development, and Indigenous health
Engage in cross-country dialogue on One Health, equity, and community empowerment
Network with peers who share your commitment to advancing public health
Be Part of the Change Health equity won’t happen by itself — it needs voices, evidence, and action. This symposium is your chance to be at the table, contribute to the dialogue, and take home insights you can apply directly in your field.
📅 Date & Venue: Kolkata, India
Join us in Kolkata. Bring your expertise, your questions, and your passion. Together, let’s build pathways toward health equity.
JBI gLOCAL Symposium Climate Change And One Health
Evidence, priorities, and challenges from India and South Africa
With the increase in population, industrialization, and geopolitical problems, global changes are accelerating which damage the biodiversity, ecosystems, and migratory movements of both humankind and species in general. Rapid climate and environmental changes have led to the emergence and reemergence of infectious and noninfectious diseases.
One Health (OH) is a collaborative, multisectoral, coordinated, and transdisciplinary approach – working at the local, regional, national, and global levels – with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
The webinar is aimed at bringing academics, researchers and practitioners working on Climate Change and One Health India and South Africa and share their experiences.
The event is being organized by the two affiliate groups of JBI from India and South Africa. JBI is a global organisation promoting and supporting evidence-based decisions that improve health and health service delivery. JBI offers a unique range of solutions to access, appraise and apply the best available evidence.
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
SESSION 1
Welcome
Dr Edith Madela-Mntla, University of Pretoria, South Africa
13:30-14:00 IST
10:00-10:30 SAST
Introduction to JBI
Professor Zoe Jordan, Adelaide, Australia
SESSION 2
Chairpersons
Prof Jannie Hugo, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee, JBI-CPHR, India
14:00-14:15 IST
10:30-10:45 SAST
Climate Change and One Health- Global and regional evidence
Dr. Giridara Gopal Parameswaran, AMR and One Health Expert, India
14:15-14:30 IST
10:45-11:00 SAST
Climate Change and One Health: Perspectives from South Africa
Dr Sean Patrick, University of Pretoria, South Africa
14:30-14:45 IST
11:00-11:15 SAST
Q & A led by Chairpersons
14:45-15:15 IST
11:15-11:45 SAST
TEA BREAK
SESSION 3
Chairpersons
Dr Chanchal Bhattacharya, Veterinarian, India
Dr Nontembiso Magida, University of Pretoria, South Africa
15:15-15:30 IST
11:45-12:00 SAST
Climate change lens within health systems
Dr. Rajeev Sadanandan, CEO HSTP, India
15:30-15:45 IST
12:00-12:15 SAST
ONE health best practices and lessons learnt
Dr Sean Patrick, University of Pretoria, South Africa
15:45-16:00 IST
12:15-12:30 SAST
One Health within Health System
Prof Upasona Ghosh, Indian Institute of Public Health, India
16:00-16:15 IST
12:30-12:45 SAST
Q&A by Chairpersons
16:15-16:30 IST
12:45-13:00 SAST
Vote of thanks
Dr. Paramita Bhattacharya, JBI-CPHR
SPEAKERS
Dr Edith Madela-Mntla
PhD
She works as a senior lecturer and researcher at the Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa. She is also a researcher affiliated with the UP Community Oriented Primary Care Research Unit.
Prof. Zoe Jordan
Executive Director of JBI, University of Adelaide, Australia
Prof Jordan has promoted global evidence-based healthcare, engaging in various international groups and receiving the 2019 Telstra Businesswomen’s Award.
Prof Jannie Hugo
MFamMed, Head of the Department, Family Medicine, Director, UP COPC Research Unit, South Africa
He leads COPC and COSUP implementation, including mobile data systems, in collaboration with Tshwane and Gauteng Health, South Africa.
Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee
PhD, Director of Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, India
Dr. Mukherjee, Director of CPHR and JBI affiliate, has 23+ years in public health research, project management, and development.
Dr. Giridara Gopal Parameswaran
Senior Associate, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New Delhi, India
He is an infectious disease epidemiologist, specializes in surveillance, evaluation, and large-scale cohort studies, including COVID-19 dashboards.
Dr Sean Patrick
PhD, Senior Lecturer at the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria. South Africa
With a PhD in Environmental Health, he teaches and supervises students, researching environmental issues, climate change, and One Health.
Dr. Chanchal Bhattacharya
PhD, Country Lead, USAID Transform Project at Heifer International, India
He is an expert in risk analysis, antimicrobial resistance, and disaster management, is the Country Lead for USAID Transform at Heifer International.
Dr Nontembiso Magida
PhD, Member, Ekurhuleni Clinical Research Centre (JBI affiliate) South Africa
She is a Lecturer at the University of Pretoria, specializes in inter-professional collaboration, public health, and community engagement. PhD from the University of Witwatersrand.
Dr. Rajeev Sadanandan
Founding leader and CEO of Health Systems Transformation Platform (HSTP), India
He is an ex-Health Secretary of Kerala, specializes in health systems, financing, and disease management. Commissioner on Lancet Global Health Commission.
Dr Upasona Ghosh
PhD, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, India
She researches climate change impacts on community health and healthcare systems, focusing on social vulnerabilities and climate resilience.
Dr. Paramita Bhattacharya
PhD, Assistant Director at CPHR (JBI affiliate centre), Kolkata, India
She specializes in health economics, financing, and research, and has received awards for her impactful economic studies.
The MANT-PSC Stakeholder Consultation Workshop was convened under the People Science Centre (PSC) of Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT). The workshop was held on 24 February 2024 at MANT Laulara, Purulia. It was aimed to empower communities with science and their development indicators, particularly focusing on the tribal populations in Purulia, West Bengal. The objectives included amplifying tribal voices on climate change impacts, collecting input on challenges in livestock, agriculture, and health, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, and compiling insights into a synthesis of learning.
Background of project
Unsustainable exploitation has pushed indigenous communities to the brink. To reverse the degradation of nature, MANT proposes to restore ecosystem functions and make communities resilient to market and climate shocks. It has recently set up “The Peoples’ Science Centre’s (PSC)” with the aim to empower communities with science and their development indicators. The interventions will focus on marginalized and vulnerable groups who depend on ecosystem services for subsistence and survival. The proposed PSC will train local youth, farmers, and women’s groups to conserve local resources and adopt climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. The PSC will arm the community to mitigate risks against future crop failures and outbreaks of human, animal and crop diseases and ensure the health of soil, water, flora and fauna. MANT will empower local communities to develop a village-based and ecosystem-specific mitigation and adaptation plan to counter the challenges of climate change. The PSC will be a place for learning, idea exchange and application of practical measures to mitigate multiple emerging threats to local communities. MANT’s community media initiatives have created awareness of climate change, the environment, and public health, especially fevers like malaria. Translating ideas into action requires institutionalized dissemination backed with hands-on local implementation.
Workshop Objectives/Purpose
Following were the objectives of the one-day workshop: Engage various stakeholders to amplify tribal voices on climate change impacts.
Collect input from tribal communities in Purulia, West Bengal on challenges in livestock, agriculture, and health. Facilitate dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and tribal communities on climate-related issues in Purulia.
Compile insights from workshop participants into a comprehensive synthesis of learning.
Speakers Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee, Director, MANT Dr. Denny John, Professor of Public Health MSRUAS, Bengaluru
10:30- 11:00 am
Voices from the field
Speaker
Tribal Community Representatives
11:00-11:15 am
Tea Break
11:15-12:30 pm
Response from Experts
Speakers Dr Suman Kanungo, NICED-ICMR, Kolkata Mr Somdeb Mukherjee, DPC-Howrah, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of West Bengal Dr Sudip Bhui, Assistant Professor, Anthropology, SKB University, Purulia Dr Nirupam Hazra, Head-School of Social Work, Bankura University Representativs from Tribal and Animal Welfare Department- Purulia
12:30-1:15 pm
Discussion on what we can learn from the experiences
Radio Broadcast: Mr Sk Manjur Ali, Station Manager, Nityananda Janavani Community Radio Station
Conclusion
Addressing the impacts of climate change on tribal populations requires recognizing their unique vulnerabilities and integrating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The MANT-PSC Stakeholder Consultation Workshop provided a platform for tribal communities, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to engage in dialogue on climate change impacts and mitigation strategies. The insights gathered will contribute to the development of a comprehensive synthesis of learning and policy briefs aimed at addressing the challenges faced by tribal populations in Purulia, West Bengal. Collaborative efforts between governments, non-governmental organizations, academia, and tribal communities are essential for building resilience, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples in the face of climate change.
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We share interesting and well-researched facts about the Public Health situation in India and World wide.
Bridging the Healthcare Gap: Insights from National Symposium on Tribal Health 2023
Written by
In a significant step towards addressing the healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities in India, a national symposium held on December 15, 2023, brought together experts, scholars, and stakeholders to deliberate on the theme “INDIA@76, LOOKING AT 100: How we can resolve the tribal health challenge?” The symposium, a collaborative effort by prominent institutions, aimed to shed light on the pressing issues affecting tribal health and explore potential solutions.
The event, partnered by Amrita Viswa Vidyapitham, Institute of Public Health, The Spine Foundation, Mehac, Ekurhuleni Clinical Research Centre, KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research Belagavi, Ramaiah University Of Applied Sciences, and DY Patil Deemed to be University School of Public Health, saw the participation of esteemed individuals who inaugurated the program:
Padma Shri Mukund Nayak, Nagpuri Folk Singer and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee
Prof. (Dr.) Satya Narayan Munda, former Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi
Dr. Dipak Ranjan Mondal, Former Vice Chancellor, Sidhu-Kano-Birsa University
Ms. Papiya Sen, Exe. Director, MANT
The symposium being inaugurated by (from right) Padma Shri Mukund Nayak, Prof. (Dr.) Satya Narayan Munda and Ms. Papiya Sen
The symposium highlighted the stark reality faced by tribal communities, constituting 8.9% of the population and often remaining the most neglected and deprived group in terms of healthcare access. One of the significant challenges discussed was the language barrier experienced by both healthcare providers and tribal residents. Doctors and nurses working in tribal areas often struggle to communicate with locals, leading to potential misunderstandings that may impact the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment outcomes.
During the symposium, a public health specialist emphasized that even the leaflets distributed with public health messages are not in the local language, further exacerbating the communication gap. The elderly population, who predominantly speak languages like Santhali, face particular challenges in expressing their health concerns accurately.
A proposed solution discussed at the symposium involves training individuals fluent in both languages to act as mediators between healthcare providers and tribal residents. This compassionate approach aims to bridge the communication gap and ensure accurate understanding of health concerns.
Moreover, the symposium addressed the broader health challenges faced by India’s tribal population, with a focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to Jaideep Menon, a cardiologist, a survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that 66% of deaths among tribal people between 2015 and 2018 were attributed to NCDs. This challenges the perception that tribal communities primarily face infectious diseases, highlighting the need for tailored healthcare strategies.
Menon also noted additional factors impacting tribal health, including malnutrition and addiction to tobacco and alcohol. The symposium aimed to raise awareness about these issues and stimulate discussions on comprehensive healthcare strategies for tribal communities.
In a momentous revelation during the symposium, the annual report of the Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR) – MANT was presented, providing a comprehensive overview of the organization’s efforts and achievements in the past year. This report underscores the commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing tribal health challenges.
In a testament to its significance, the symposium garnered attention from popular media houses, further amplifying the urgency of addressing tribal health challenges. Zee News interviewed Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee, Director CPHR-MANT. Clippings from The Telegraph, a prominent newspaper covering the event can be viewed here.
For a more detailed overview of the symposium, including specific discussions, initiatives, and recommendations, you can download the program brochure here.
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Importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity
The symposium served as a crucial platform for experts and stakeholders to collectively envision a healthcare system that caters to all communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in addressing the unique challenges faced by tribal populations in India.
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We share interesting and well-researched facts about the Public Health situation in India and World wide.
The proposational contribution of mental disorders to total disease burden in India has almost doubled since 1990. In South Africa, almost a third of the population has experienced some form of common mental disorder in their lifetime.
Research has shown that a strong focus on community mental health is critical while the national mental health programs in India and South Asia including governance structures need to be strengthened.
The event was aimed at bringing academics, researchers, and practitioners together. They shared their experiences on mental health in India and South Africa.
The event was organized by the two affiliate groups of JBI from India and South Africa on 8th September 2023. JBI is a global organisation promoting and supporting evidence-based decisions that improve health and health service delivery. JBI offers a unique range of solutions to access, appraise and apply the best available evidence.
Program Schedule
Session 1
Chairperson: Dr Nontembiso Magida, JBI Ekurhuleni
13:30-14:00 IST
10:00-10:30 SAST
Welcome: Dr Edith Madela-Mntla (University of Pretoria)
Introduction to JBI-Ekurhuleni, Dr Jayati Kusari
Introduction to JBI-CPHR, Prof. Denny John
Session 2
Mental Health in India and South Africa
Chairpersons: Prof Jannie Hugo, University of Pretoria; Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee, JBI-CPHR
14:00-14:15 IST
10:30-10:45 SAST
Community Mental Health in India
Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran, Mehac Foundation
14:15-14:30 IST
10:45-11:00 SAST
Mental Health in South Africa
Dr Dennilee Naicker, Specialist Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria
14:30-14:45 IST
11:00-11:15 SAST
Q & A led by Chairpersons
14:45-15:00 IST
11:15-11:30 SAST
Tea Break
15:00-15:15 IST
11:30-11:45 SAST
Evidence on Mental Health
Chairpersons: Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran, Mehac Foundation; Dr K Maaroganye Psychiatrist Ekurhuleni District, South Africa
15:15-15:30 IST
11:45-12:00 SAST
Economics of Mental Health
Prof. Denny John, Co-Director, JBI-CPHR
15:30-15:45 IST
12:00-12:15 SAST
Mental Health and Social Stigma among healthcare providers during COVID-19 Dr. Geetha R. Menon, Scientist-F, ICMR-National Institute of Medical Statistics, New Delhi
15:45-16:00 IST
12:15-12:30 SAST
Mehac case study
Dr. Poornima Sunder, Clinical.Director and Consultant, Mehac Foundation
16:00-16:15 IST
12:30-12:45 SAST
South Africa case study: Community oriented Substance use programme
Dr Urvisha Bhoora, University of Pretoria
16:15-16:30 IST
12:45-13:00 SAST
Yoga and mental health Ms Carish Bhim, Psychologist & Yoga specialist
16:30-16:45 IST
13:00-13:15 SAST
Indian case study: Mental health status of the health professionals and managers after Balasore train accidents in the state of Odisha in India Dr Prasanta Roy, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata
