Research
The Centre for Public Health supports research through seed funding and collaborations, organised around priority workstreams and grounded in India’s contextual realities and the communities we serve.
Focus areas
Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are major global health challenges, responsible for nearly 70% of deaths worldwide. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.4) aim to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third through prevention, treatment, and promoting mental health and well-being. Addressing NCDs requires a multi-sectoral approach, including strengthening health systems, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring equitable access to care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases remain a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and emerging infections such as COVID-19 pose ongoing challenges to public health. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.3) focus on ending epidemics of major infectious diseases by improving prevention, treatment, and access to healthcare. Strengthening surveillance, vaccination programs, and sanitation measures is crucial in reducing the impact of infectious diseases and achieving global health security.
Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health
Maternal, child, and adolescent health is central to improving population health and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite progress in India, preventable maternal and child morbidity and mortality persist, with significant inequities across regions and populations. Strengthening the continuum of care – from maternal and newborn services to child health and adolescent-friendly interventions – along with improved nutrition, immunization, and primary healthcare delivery, is essential to achieving equitable and sustainable health outcomes.
Health economics
CHEETA: Health Economics & Technology Assessment
CMC’s Health Economics and Technology Assessment (CHEETA) unit at the Centre for Public Health is a newly established unit focusing on methodological and applied research, aiming to inform clinical and public health practice, resource allocation, and policy locally, nationally, and internationally. In addition to research, the unit conducts training, workshops, and collaborative projects to build capacity in health economics and decision science.
Funding
CPH Seed Grants
CPH Seed Grants nurture early-stage, faculty-driven research with the potential to inform programs, influence policy, and strengthen health systems. By supporting early-stage ideas, the program aims to generate preliminary or proof-of-concept evidence that can grow into larger, externally funded research projects. In 2026, three proposals were selected for funding following a rigorous three-round review process.