Introduction
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has announced two significant programs in India aimed at addressing paediatric tuberculosis (TB) and promoting gender equality in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). These initiatives reflect JHU's commitment to fostering innovation and human flourishing in India.
TB-Free Schools Initiative
The TB-Free Schools Initiative is a collaborative effort between JHU, the Government of India, the Serum Institute of India, AIIMS Gorakhpur, and the Mukul Madhav Foundation. This initiative is based on the success of a cost-effective project in Himachal Pradesh that demonstrated an 87% reduction in TB cases in residential schools. The program will scale this approach to four regions in three states: Pune and Satara in Maharashtra, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The initiative focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating active and latent TB cases among students attending day schools in India, providing linkage to care, education, and counseling.
Career Advancement for Women in STEMM
JHU's career advancement initiative for women in STEMM aims to train and mentor 40 early-career women for senior research and development (R&D) roles. Globally, women represent just 29% of all STEMM workers, and in India, while women make up 43% of STEMM graduates, they comprise only 17% of the research workforce. The Johns Hopkins Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) has been selected as an anchor partner by the U.S. Department of State under the U.S.-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment to design and develop a national fellowship program specifically for the career advancement of women scientists in India.
Conclusion
These initiatives by Johns Hopkins University underscore the importance of addressing critical health and gender equality issues in India. By focusing on paediatric TB elimination and promoting women's leadership in STEMM, JHU is contributing to a healthier and more equitable future for India.
