Biography
Public health professional and researcher with 8 years’ experience in HIV/STI, TB and Harm reduction among LGBTQIA+, female sex works and Injecting drug users. I have contributed to national guidelines for HIV/STI and have led multiple researches focusing on marginalized communities. Currently, I work as Consultant-National Youth Coordinator with the Global Coalition of TB Advocates, India, where I assist in developing and strategizing for TB advocacy initiatives at a national level. My experience includes community engagement and participating in the development of public health guidelines at the national level.
Key Impacts
Barriers and facilitators in TB nutritional support: A CFIR framework-based qualitative study of TB champions' experiences with Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Nikshay Mitra Yojana
The study unravels fundamental gaps of implementation in NPY and NMY which inhibit effective nutritional support. Real-time fund tracking, standard support packages, training and stipends for TB Champions, community-based enrollment, and structured partnerships creating a stronger person-centered TB care are recommended.
Source: Conference 2024
Understanding knowledge gaps challenges access to TB care for gender-diverse individuals in India
The community of transgender and gender-diverse persons faces a high burden of TB and also great barriers to care. Thus, community-led interventions are necessary. It would be critical for equitable TB care and the India TB elimination goal to strengthen transgender-led organizations, expand TB preventive treatment, integrate WHO's Community, Rights and Gender framework, and ensure financial support through direct benefit transfers.
Source: Conference 2024