Biography
Dr. Aparna serves as a WHO Consultant in Kerala, contributing her expertise to the implementation and strengthening of public health initiatives, particularly in the area of tuberculosis elimination. Working in close coordination with the State TB Cell and other stakeholders, she provides strategic technical support, facilitates capacity building, and ensures alignment with national and global TB control guidelines. With a solid foundation in medicine and public health, Dr. Aparna is deeply committed to improving health outcomes through data-driven interventions, system strengthening, and collaborative partnerships.
Key Impacts
Institutionalising nutritional support for people with TB into the local self-governance annual plans in Kerala, India: A policy reform initiative
This policy advocacy successfully integrates the TB nutritional support within Kerala’s decentralized governance, creating a scalable and accountable model. This initiative is expected to strengthen local ownership, ensure sustainable funding, and enhance TB treatment outcomes.
Source: Conference 2024
Enhancing sample transportation under National TB Elimination Programme through a cost-effective multisectoral accountability model
This innovative model—anchored by collaboration between two government entities—shows how public-sector synergy, accountability, and strategic resource mobilization can deliver scalable impact. It enhances access to universal Drug Susceptibility Testing, early treatment initiation, and interruption of TB transmission. Its success and user-friendliness position it as a strong candidate for adaptation as a multi-disease sample transport system across health programs.
Source: Conference 2024