About Us
Lakshya, A Society for Public Health Education and Research was established on 10th April 2010 by like-minded people to perform high quality Public Health research and training that would benefit and make an impact on the community. The trustees of Lakshya, in different capacity, were previously involved in a randomized controlled trial for prevention of HIV transmission from mother-to-child in Pune, India. This study, now labelled as SWEN (Six Week Extended Nevirapine) was a clinical study to examine the effect of Nevarapine, a drug used for HIV treatment, on reducing mother-to-infant HIV transmission. The study was conducted in BJ Government Medical College, Pune from 2001 till 2007 with approvals from the Indian Council of Medical Research and Government of Maharashtra.
This study had enrolled 730 HIV infected pregnant women and their new-born infants and showed that HIV transmission through breastfeeding can be reduced to 50% at 6 weeks of baby’s age by giving six weeks of Nevarapine to breastfed infants. The study was a huge success and got international attention. Based on these data, the World Health Organization changed its guidelines for prevention of perinatal HIV transmission. This means that the entire world would use these guidelines to reduce HIV transmission from mother-to-child. This was big achievement and encouragement for us and were motivated to form an organization that would not only be involved on high quality research, but also convert research into policies that would benefits the society.
Key mandates of our mission include
Implementation science research
We undertake research focused on barriers and facilitators of implementation of evidence-based interventions to improve patient treatment outcomes.
Our work aims to improve diagnosis, prevention, early treatment initiation, and care through practical, evidence-based approaches that can be used in real-world healthcare settings.
Undertake research that focuses on reducing Morbidity & Mortatlity, among patient infected with HIV, TB, and other infectious deases
Identifying opportunistic infections
TB, cryptococcal meningitis and oral candidacies and helping HIV infected individuals to reduce associated morbidity
Reducing stigma associated with HIV and TB
we reduce stigma by creating awareness programs or camps in the community
Increase TB case finding
collaborating with the national TB elimination program to increase TB case findings in the community
increase TB case finding through various TB research projects among household contacts (including children) of indexed Tb patients
Training
- ICMR regulations,
- Human Subject Protection (HSP)
- Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
- Biostatistics and Research Methods
We focus on training young scientists in essential research methods to help them build strong foundations for their careers. This training includes topics such as good clinical practice (GCP), which ensures that research is conducted ethically and safely; human subject protection, which safeguards participants in research studies; and national and international ethical guidelines, which guide researchers in conducting responsible research. Additionally, we provide training in biostatistical methods and data analysis, helping scientists accurately interpret research findings. We also offer training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, equipping young researchers with the skills needed to conduct comprehensive and impactful studies.
Empowerment of women living with HIV and TB
We focus on empowering women living with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) by offering skill development workshops. These workshops help women learn important skills, to manage their physical and mental health.
Social and Behavioral Science Research
Mental Health, substance use, Stigma reduction
- Designing and adapting evidence-based interventions.
- Assessing effectiveness of these interventions.
Development of patient health education materials
We develop health education materials to raise awareness about important public health issues. These materials include videos, pamphlets, slide presentations and other resources that focus on topics such as drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), pregnancy and TB, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adolescents. By providing clear and accessible information, we aim to educate the community, reduce misconceptions, and encourage healthy behaviors. Our goal is to improve understanding and promote better health choices, ultimately supporting the prevention and control of diseases in the population.
use of mobile Health in health systems research
we use the digital technology eMOCHA System to improve the Uptake of HIV Services by women infected with HIV
Training of young scientists in research methods
good clinical practice training, human subject protection training, training of national & international ethical guidelines, training in statistical methods and analysis, training in qualitative quantitative research methods, and many more.
Use of technology-based counselling in health research
we used the digital technology eMOCHA System in counselling to improve the Uptake of HIV Services by women infected with HIV. AI based Avatar model in alcohol reduction counselling.
Address
425/32, TMV Colony, Gultekadi, Pune - 411037
Phone
(+91) - 7219517817
lakshya_2009@hotmail.com