Intermediate FETP Officers from NIPHTR Mumbai Showcase Epidemiological Research at IPHACON 2026

Nine officers from Cohort II of the Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (I-FETP) at the National Institute of Public Health Training and Research participated in the Indian Public Health Association Conference 2026 (IPHACON 2026), held at Katuri Medical College from 13–15 March 2026.

During the three-day conference, the officers presented findings from disease surveillance activities and epidemiological analyses conducted across Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Their presentations highlighted the application of field epidemiology in addressing priority public health concerns and strengthening evidence-based decision-making.

Three officers delivered oral presentations, while six officers presented their work through scientific posters.

Oral Presentations

• Influenza in Goa, 2022–2025 — Dr. Annet Oliviera

• Hepatitis A Outbreak in Talod, Sabarkantha, Gujarat, November 2025 — Dr. Chandni Parmar

• Rabies in Bhandara, Maharashtra, 2022–2024 — Dr. Chirag Sonkusare

Poster Presentations

• Acute Diarrhoeal Disease in Bharuch, Gujarat, 2022–2025 — Dr. Komal Joshi

• Dengue in Jagtial, Telangana, 2022–2025 — V Vamshikrishna

• Dengue in Wanaparthy, Telangana, 2022–2025 — Dr. Sumith Reddy

• Dengue in K B Asifabad, Telangana, 2022–2025 — M Prasanth Kumar

• Dengue in Siddipet, Telangana, 2022–2025 — Rathod Sopan

• Tuberculosis in Bhadradari Kothugadem, Telangana, 2022–2025 — Emmanuel Kotrike

A major highlight of the conference was the recognition received by Dr. Chirag R Sonkusare, who was awarded Second Prize in the Oral Presentation (PG Category) at IPHACON 2026.

The participation of the I-FETP officers at IPHACON 2026 reflects the programme’s continued commitment to strengthening field epidemiology capacity and promoting data-driven public health practice through scientific collaboration and research dissemination.