Biography
Dr. Aakshi Kalra is working as Senior Technical Specialist with FIND, where she plays a pivotal role in spearheading multiple projects aimed at combating tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases in India and Laos. Notably, she led the large-scale initiatives in India, focused on private sector engagement and TB preventive treatment, alongside community-based interventions addressing TB and NCDs. She holds a master’s degree from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (India) and is pursuing a PhD at Heidelberg University (Germany). Dr. Kalra has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
Key Impacts
Impact of a large-scale private sector intervention on TB notifications and treatment outcomes in India: A difference in difference analysis
Project demonstrated significant improvements in TB care through private-sector engagement. The robust design and measurable impact across districts in India could make this a replicable model for improving TB care in other high-burden countries. To sustain the gains, PPSA model is being scaled-up in 438 districts through domestic resources supporting India’s progress toward TB elimination.
Source: Conference 2024
Accelerating drug-resistant diagnosis and ending the gap of missing cases in urban India
Project demonstrates that decentralizing diagnostic services and optimizing sample transport can improve DR-TB detection and treatment linkages in urban settings. Prioritizing resources for transport systems and streamlining PTE are key to achieve India’s TB elimination targets.
Source: Conference 2024