UN SDG | JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research| SDG 17

Introduction

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER) collaborates with Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 25th November 2021. This collaboration aims to enhance healthcare delivery, focusing on cost-effective, ethical, and rational healthcare, particularly for indigenous, marginalized, and socio-economically vulnerable groups in Mysuru District. The partnership spans five years and aims to contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).

Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement

Student Volunteering Programs

Research Programs

Development of Educational Resources

Outreach Activities

Conclusion

Student Volunteering Programs

The partnership between JSS AHER and SVYM provides numerous opportunities for student engagement and volunteering, aligning with SDGs related to quality education and social responsibility:

Internships and Postings: Students from various programs, including MBBS, MD Community Medicine, and MPH, have the opportunity to volunteer and engage with outreach clinics, camps, and health education activities targeting tribal and rural populations.
- MD Postgraduates participate in one-month postings focusing on community healthcare, outreach projects, and health education initiatives.
- MPH Interns work on specific projects, with internships ranging from 15 days to three months, addressing issues such as maternal health, chronic disease management, and sanitation in tribal areas.
- MBBS Interns spend three weeks interacting with tribal communities, conducting health services through mobile clinics and regular OPD/IPD services at SVYM’s healthcare facilities.
- Undergraduate Students visit SVYM centers for field exposure, learning about the NGO’s work in tribal health, education, and the delivery of healthcare services.

These programs not only benefit the community but also equip students with the practical skills necessary for addressing health challenges in underserved areas, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Research Programs

The collaboration between JSS AHER and SVYM also fosters significant research activities aimed at improving health outcomes in tribal and rural populations:

Biogas Plant Capacities:

Research on Frailty, Nutritional Status, and Dietary Patterns: A study conducted by Dr. Pragadesh, Post Graduate student in Community Medicine at JSS Medical College, under the guidance of Dr. Praveen Kulkarni, investigates the relationship between frailty, nutritional status, and dietary patterns among the elderly in tribal areas of Mysuru District. This research aims to provide insights into the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations and contributes to evidence-based public health strategies for improving the quality of life for the elderly, particularly in rural and tribal communities.

These research activities are aligned with SDGs related to health and well-being (SDG 3) and addressing inequalities (SDG 10).

Development of Educational Resources

The collaboration also emphasizes the development of educational resources focused on healthcare awareness and capacity building for marginalized communities:

Health Education and Awareness Programs: SVYM conducts health education programs focusing on topics such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV, reproductive health, immunization, and chronic disease management. These programs are often integrated with student internships, providing educational materials and health interventions that directly benefit the local population.
Palliative Care Training: Over 500 students have received palliative care training through this collaboration, equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to provide compassionate care to the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses.

These resources support SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), helping to bridge the gap in healthcare literacy among marginalized groups.

Outreach Activities

SVYM’s comprehensive outreach programs play a crucial role in tackling various health challenges faced by remote communities. Key initiatives include:

Mobile Health Units: These units bring essential healthcare services to remote, underserved areas, providing treatments for chronic diseases, vaccinations, and basic health services directly at people’s doorsteps.
Palliative Care: Offering home-based palliative care services that improve symptom control, provide psychosocial support, and ensure continuity of care for patients with chronic and terminal conditions.
Reproductive and Child Health (RCH): Programs that offer antenatal and postnatal care, immunization, and awareness about government schemes to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

These outreach initiatives directly contribute to SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

The collaboration between JSS AHER and SVYM exemplifies a robust partnership aimed at addressing the SDGs through student engagement, research, and educational resource development. By combining academic knowledge with grassroots action, this partnership ensures that the SDGs, particularly those related to health and well-being, are tackled through practical, community-based approaches. Through this collaboration, JSS AHER not only contributes to the academic and professional development of its students but also plays a pivotal role in improving the health and quality of life for marginalized communities in Mysuru District.