In a significant milestone for public health research and preparedness, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla Centre for Infectious Diseases and Pandemic Preparedness took place in Hyderabad. Positioned as a pioneering hub for multidisciplinary research and collaborative efforts, the center aims to transcend traditional boundaries in the study of infectious diseases.
Rentala Madhubala, Director of the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) Hyderabad, emphasized that the center aspires to be more than a physical entity. Instead, it envisions becoming a symbol of innovation and research excellence in the field of infectious diseases. Groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technologies, and revolutionary discoveries that will reshape healthcare interventions will be the focus of the center.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing this center took place in July 2023.The Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, representing the Serum Institute of India (SII), partnered with the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) to set up the center at IIPH Hyderabad. Dr. Madhubala highlighted the substantial support of ₹25 crore from the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare and infectious disease research.
During the ceremony, Srinath Reddy, former president of PHFI, announced that the Union Ministry of Education has granted a Letter of Intent designating IIPH Hyderabad as a deemed university, headquartered in Hyderabad. He emphasized the center’s significance in being locally relevant, nationally impactful, and globally respected. Mr. Reddy described this public health partnership as a pivotal moment, connecting public health institutions nationwide.
The establishment of the Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla Centre marks a crucial step in strengthening India’s capabilities in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness, contributing to global efforts in public health resilience.
