In view of the public health concerns over the emerging and re-emerging viral infections in the recent past including SARS-CoV-2, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken a call on the virological, clinical and immunological aspects to prevent such diseases. Research has started. future pandemic.
Highlighting the importance of strengthening India’s health infrastructure to offer a rapid and effective public health response, Lokesh Sharma, a senior scientist at ICMR, said: “Emerging and re-emerging viral infections in the global public health system. In recent years, India has seen a number of viral infections that have caused many outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic has given us relevant research to prepare for future viral outbreaks. By making them realize the need to strengthen their health infrastructure.”
The research will be conducted at National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and ICMR institutes across India. Sharma said scientists will begin surveillance in defined communities and clusters for specific viruses that can cause outbreaks, develop the ability to identify and identify them at the genetic and protein levels, and to understand host-pathogens. Will study the interactions and pathogenesis of emerging and re-emerging viruses. The diverse role of host genetic factors and the immune response against infection and re-infection.
Researchers use big data analytics and artificial intelligence platforms to identify outcomes and co-morbidities across the natural history and disease spectrum to integrate multiple disease-related data points and develop future disease prediction models for emerging viral infections. Will also study
A sub-component named “Supporting Research at NIV, Pune and other ICMR affiliated research institutes” has been approved for ICMR-DHR under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Sharma said.
Proposals will be submitted as per ICMR Task Force project guidelines to encourage multi-centre collaborative projects and capacity building in all ICMR institutions.
“All submitted project proposals will be evaluated by the ICMR Expert Group. The project proposals will be reviewed on the merits of a proposal to bridge the existing gap and build infrastructure, research and clinical capacity within the ICMR institutions.
The move assumes significance keeping in mind that while the world is still covered by the COVID pandemic, 20 countries like the US have reported more than 100 cases of monkeypox. However, there is no news of any death so far.