Biography
Sadie B. Cowan is a Fulbright-Nehru Student Researcher based in India, studying the intersection of tuberculosis (TB), undernutrition, and social protection. Her research focuses on India's Nikshay Mitra program, a public-private initiative addressing TB through nutritional and economic support. She previously worked in health policy at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, analyzing Medicaid programs and stakeholder engagement strategies. Sadie holds degrees from Boston University and the BU School of Public Health. Passionate about global health equity, she is committed to evidence-based policy solutions that enhance healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Key Impacts
Cash or calories: Preferences for nutritional support among persons with TB in South India
Our survey revealed that cash transfers were preferable to in-kind support. Our assessment demonstrates that while existing NTEP interventions are addressing the needs of PWTB, gaps remain in implementation. Going forward, a human-centered approach is necessary to address the operational challenges of the current structure. Nutritional Support OptionsOverall FrequencyProportion of Participants’ 1st PreferenceCash Transfer2.4048.9%Food Basket2.6329.8%Ready To Use Foods2.8512.8%Vouchers (to purchase food)2.898.5%Prepared Foods4.218.5%Figure 1. Participants ranked the displayed forms of nutritional support on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the most preferable option.
Source: Conference 2024