Participation of JSS AHER in Policy-Making to End Poverty in All Its Dimensions

Introduction

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER) actively contributes to formulating and implementing programs and policies at local, regional, national, and global levels to eradicate poverty in all its dimensions. Through collaborative research, policy engagement, and capacity-building initiatives, JSS AHER aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), impacting vulnerable populations and contributing to poverty alleviation.

Participation of JSS AHER in Policy-Making to End Poverty


Key Activities and Case Studies


  1. Local and Regional Policy Contributions

1.1 Collaborations with Local Governments

  • Mysore District Health Risk Assessment (MUDHRA) Study:
    • Activity: Conducted a cohort study involving 8,457 participants across 16 villages to assess health risks from biomass fuel exposure.
    • Impact: Findings highlighted increased risks of chronic respiratory diseases among rural women, directly influencing local health interventions and policies.
    • Policy Linkage: Supported initiatives promoting cleaner cooking fuels under local governance frameworks.

1.2 Empowering Tribal Communities

  • Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Screening and Management:
    • Activity: Faculty-led SCD screening and management projects, in partnership with the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Department of Biotechnology.
    • Impact: Over 2,000 tribal individuals screened and treated, improving access to essential healthcare.
    • Case Study: Developed state-level guidelines for SCD management, addressing healthcare inequities in tribal populations.

  1. National Policy Engagement

2.1 Influencing Major Government Programs

  • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
    • Activity: Research on biomass fuel exposure through the MUDHRA study contributed to PMUY, providing clean LPG connections to rural households.
    • Impact: Improved health outcomes for over 90 million households nationwide.
  • National Health Mission (NHM):
    • Activity: Faculty served on technical committees for NHM, focusing on maternal and child health, and non-communicable disease management.
    • Impact: Enhanced healthcare delivery models for economically weaker sections.

2.2 Advancing Non-Communicable Disease Management

  • Diabetes and Hypertension Continuum of Care Study:
    • Activity: Research conducted in partnership with WHO and ICMR identified gaps in patient care for diabetes and hypertension.
    • Impact: Findings informed reforms in the National Program for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPCDCS), benefiting millions of patients.

2.3 Tuberculosis (TB) Care Continuum

  • Activity: A collaborative project with the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) identified barriers in TB care delivery.
  • Impact: Recommendations were integrated into the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), improving outcomes for TB patients in Karnataka.
  1. Global Advocacy and Policy Influence

3.1 Participation in International Forums

  • G20 Summit Contributions:
    • Activity: JSS AHER participated in elderly health policy discussions during the G20 Summit, shaping frameworks for aging populations.
    • Impact: Recommendations focused on reducing healthcare inequities for elderly communities globally.

3.2 Collaborations with Global Institutions

  • WHO Vaccine Safety Monitoring:
    • Activity: JSS Hospital established a WHO-recognized Vaccine Safety Monitoring Center, leading vaccine safety initiatives.
    • Impact: Contributed data to global vaccine safety protocols, enhancing trust and accessibility.

3.3 Capacity Building for Policymakers and Administrators

  • Workshops and Training Programs:
    • Activity: Hosted training programs in collaboration with Biocon Academy to develop skills in regulatory sciences and pharmaceutical compliance.
    • Case Study: The Global Regulatory Affairs Program prepared over 100 professionals annually for leadership roles in healthcare policy and implementation.

Case Studies


  1. Cervical Cancer Prevention
    • Challenge: Limited access to affordable HPV vaccines and low participation in screening programs.
    • Solution: JSS AHER research identified high-risk HPV genotypes and developed targeted vaccination strategies.
    • Outcome: Policies now include genotype-specific vaccines and improved screening guidelines, supporting India's cervical cancer elimination goal by 2030.
  2. Nutritional Awareness in Tribal Schools
    • Activity: Organized a nutrition awareness camp at Neralakuppe Tribal School, Mysore, benefiting over 200 children.
    • Impact: Addressed malnutrition by providing dietary education and distributing learning aids.
  3. Digital Literacy Campaigns
    • Activity: Conducted digital literacy workshops for rural women, enabling them to access government schemes and online services.
    • Outcome: 70% of participants reported successfully using digital platforms post-training.

Impact and Outcomes


  • Policy Contributions:
    • Influenced programs like PMUY, NHM, and NPCDCS, addressing systemic poverty challenges.
    • Integrated research findings into national healthcare strategies.
  • Community Impact:
    • Improved healthcare access for over 10,000 individuals annually through regional and national programs.
    • Reduced health disparities in tribal and underserved populations.
  • Global Reach:
    • Represented India in international forums advocating for SDG 1 (No Poverty) solutions.
    • Strengthened international collaborations for sustainable development initiatives.

Conclusion


JSS AHER exemplifies how academic institutions can actively participate in policy-making to address poverty in all its dimensions. Through collaborative research, advocacy, and global engagement, the university continues to drive impactful and sustainable solutions, ensuring equitable development for vulnerable communities.