IIPH support to government during Covid-19

  1. Data analysis: Our team extended support to the States’ IDSP team in analyzing data and in assessing significance of higher numbers of fever and or respiratory infections observed in some districts in Meghalaya; calculating the sensitivity and specificity of rapid antibody test kits; and generating projections for the Covid cases in Meghalaya and comparing the disease trajectory with the other Indian states.
  2. Health system preparedness: In assessing preparedness of hospitals in the public sector and private sector for Covid preparedness, in preparing checklists and surveys (lead by epidemiologist BadondorShylla). Some of our MPH students are also helping in the management of the newly established Corona Care Centers.
  3. Mathematical modelling: We have also developed predictive models for health system planning in collaboration with (lead by Dr Rajiv Sarkar) in collaboration with researchers from the Indian Statistical Institute and IIT Rourkee. The Dept of Health, GoM has used these figures for their Covid planning and preparations.
  4. Research: on the request of the Govt of Meghalaya we conducted a survey on “A cross sectional study to assess knowledge, attitude and practices towards hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and community quarantine in Meghalaya”
  5. Publications on Covid 19: a series of articles and bulletins on Covid were published in the Shillong Times newspaper (Established 1945); one of the oldest and widely read newspapers in the northeast region of India. This was done to promote general awareness, for education and as a means to reduce the general panic that was griping the populace
  6. Membership to Expert Committees /Task force/working groups
    • Prof Sandra Albert is a member of the Working group on Epidemiology Survey and Documentation constituted by the Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force on Covid-19. Notification No. A.17020/1/2020-E.1 of Ministry of AYUSH
    • Dr Rajiv Sarkar, BadondorShylla and UniquekyMawrie are members of the technical support group of the State response team for Covid-19, Government of Meghalaya
    • Prof Sandra Albert is a member of the Medical Expert Committee on Covid-19 constituted by the Government of Meghalaya