Head of the Division: Dr Dinesh Raja J, Scientist B (Medical)
The Unit of Epidemiology and Operational Research was conceptualised in October 2021 to emphasize on carrying out operational research, developing advanced epidemiological strategies and application of analytical methods to facilitate policy decisions and optimal resource allocation by the national programme in the control and elimination of vector borne diseases.
To conduct robust epidemiological studies (quantitative, qualitative & mixed method studies) on vector borne diseases.
To carry out operational research studies to address specific problems in ongoing national vector borne diseases control programme that will aid in its better implementation.
To apply operational research to the prevention, detection, and treatment of VBDs.
To scale-up existing public health interventions through innovative approaches like m-Health and artificial intelligence in the management of vector borne diseases.
To conduct studies on social determinants of vector borne diseases, develop community engagement and behaviour change communication strategies, and carry-out necessary interventions for the prevention and control of vector borne diseases.
Epidemiology of Vector Borne Diseases, Operational Research, Implementation Research, Outbreak Investigation, Socio Behavioural Research, Application of m-Health and Artificial Intelligence in Prevention, Control & Management of Vector Borne Diseases, Migration and Health, Social and Behaviour Change Communication
| Sr. No. | Name of the staff | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DDr Dinesh Raja J, MD (PSM) | Head & Scientist B (Medical) |
| 2 | Dr Dhanalakshmi R, MBBS | Scientist B (Medical) |
| 3 | Dr Jency Priskilla J, MBBS | Scientist B (Medical) |
| 4 | Dr Muhammed Jabir MM, PhD (Social work) | Scientist B (Non-Medical) |
Assessing community preparedness during COVID-19 pandemic in a metropolitan city in South India (IM 2010).
Static biomechanical measures of foot among filarial lymphoedema patients and its effect on stability component of lower extremity (IM 2012).
Application of artificial intelligence for the rapid screening of the blood smears in lymphatic filariasis elimination programme (IM 2002).
Development of monitoring and evaluation protocol for accelerated MDA with IDA for lymphatic filariasis elimination programme (EM 1916).
Infrared thermal imaging as a tool to assess filarial lymphoedema- a pilot study (IM 2001).
Benefit of YOGA therapy in filarial lymphoedema patients: A comparative study with Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention protocol of lymphoedema management (IM 2013).
Long term changes in filarial infection status among a cohort of individuals treated with IDA (Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole) in select villages in Yadgir district of Karnataka (EM 2122).
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the general population in Puducherry: a cross-sectional study (IM 2201).
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children in the district of Puducherry: a cross-sectional study (IM 2202).
Capacity building of young researchers on systematic reviews, development of individual participant data (IPD) platform and meta-analysis of published data on lymphatic filariasis- (IDDO-ICMR collaborative project).
New collaborative projects:
Evaluation of sampling strategies for assessing the endemicity status of lymphatic filariasis in a non-MDA district.
Analytic and field evaluation of identified immunological markers for diagnostic performance to detect bancroftian filariasis and their potential as surveillance tools for stopping decisions of MDA and post MDA surveillance.
A multi-country comprehensive field evaluation of the SD Biosensor STANDARDTM Q lateral flow assay rapid diagnostic test for lymphatic filariasis
Capacity Building
Teaching Epidemiology to students of M.Sc. Public Health Entomology (MPHE) course./p>
Training of students / researchers / programme managers on epidemiological studies and survey methods.
Technical support to State/National Programme
Clinical Services:
Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP) services to filarial lymphoedema patients at Filariasis Management clinic.
General health check-up and health education to staff of ICMR-VCRC..