Zoonotic disease research centre opens in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Zoonotic Vector Borne Diseases Research & Training Centre (ZVBDC) at the Indian Institute of Public Health-Shillong (IIPHS) as part of a seminar on ‘One Health’, hosted by the institute. This is the first-of-its-kind ZVBDC centre in the northeast.

Speaking at the event, Conrad said Meghalaya has adopted a holistic approach to addressing health challenges, especially in terms of tackling high maternal and infant deaths. Due to this approach, Meghalaya’s maternal deaths, which were higher than the national average about three years ago, have come down and are almost equal to the national average, the chief minister said.

‘One Health’ is a multi-sectoral and collaborative trans-disciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health. The second highest claims under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) are primarily related to animal bites and wounds, proving human’s close proximity to animals, Conrad said.

Appreciating the contribution of IIPHS in the sphere of research, the chief minister said steps will be taken to grant university status to IIPHS and urged young research scholars to actively integrate research with innovative technological tools. Conrad also spoke about his vision to make Meghalaya an innovation hub and said that steps were underway to create a massive data centre in Shillong.

“Work is underway to bring in optical submarine cables from Chittagong. The aim is to connect the entire state with optical fibres,” Conrad said.

Addressing the researchers, state health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh recalled that a recent study conducted by IIPHS on wash practices amongst 220 women street vendors at Iewduh, Shillong, revealed how 32% of them had contracted Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) due to lack of access to adequate clean public toilets. They would also refrain from drinking water for long hours to avoid using unclean toilets because they were located far from their stalls, she said. The study showed how an individual health problem would require to be solved by addressing various socio-economic dimensions, the Lyngdoh said and added she will soon initiate steps to construct toilets next to the vendor zones.

Lucknow University research scholars to get maternity leave

Lucknow University approves maternity leave for female research scholars and students in education. Maternity leave will be granted as per UGC rules for PhD scholars and NCTE rules for BEd, BEld, and MEd female students. Research data can be transferred if a PhD scholar relocates due to marriage. Scholars must credit the parent guide and university for their research. These decisions ensure that studies are not affected.

LITU incubation centre to be a pioneer in research activities

Loksarang Dinkar Hardas, founder and CEO of LAs Totally Awesome, donated Rs1.5 crore for the LIT incubation centre at LITU. The centre will promote research-based activities and require a proper business plan. The successful US model involves alumni getting involved and researchers giving back. The incubation centre aims to work with dedicated people and encourage unique research ideas. Hardas has also built the Siddhivinayak Temple in California.