Constitution of ‘Network of Indian Institutions for HIV/AIDS Research (NIIHAR)'

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

As you are aware NACP-III is being implemented since April 2007 with

the main goal of halting/reversing trend of HIV/AIDS in India.

Specific strategies have been developed to implement various

interventions for prevention, control and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

However in a large country with varying demographic and social

framework, it would be difficult to prescribe uniform strategies

which can effectively prevent/control HIV/AIDS. Therefore there will

be need to conduct situational analysis, undertake epidemiological

and operational research to assess effectiveness of various

interventions and to appropriately revise/strengthen implementation

based on evaluation and research.

NACP-III aims at strengthening monitoring mechanisms and undertakes

multcentric Evaluation/Research studies to help the policy makers in

decision making. It is therefore felt to constitute a consortium of

Institutions having capacity and experience in undertaking

Evaluation and Operational Research within the country.

It was in this context NACO has constituted a network of Indian Institutions.

The network is named as `Network of Indian Institutions for HIV/AIDS

Research (NIIHAR)'. The consortium is responsible for facilitating

and undertaking research activities in the operational, bio-medical,

clinical, epidemiological, behavioral and social disciplines. This

consortium pool resources and expertise to conduct high quality,

collaborative, multi-center research that will help evidence based

decision making on policy, management and evaluation of

interventions.

Based on the recommendation of Technical Resource Group on R & D under NACP-III,

15 Indian Institutions have been selected as the Members of NIIHAR.

Details can also be obtained from the Research and Development

Division, NACO.

Dr Ruchi Sogarwal,

Program Officer-Research, NACO

E-MAIL: <ruchi_sogarwal@...>

<ruchi.dr@...>