KIMS Starts Collaborative Research Project with NIV Mumbai and WHO
Polio eradication is one of the major programs for the World Health Organization. In collaboration with National Institute of Virology (NIV), Mumbai, they have initiated a project to look for poliovirus and related enteroviruses in patients having primary immunodeficiency. This project includes 21 institutes across India such as Wadia Hospital Mumbai, PGI Chandigarh, SGPGI Lucknow, NIMS Hyderabad and others.
On the 17th February 2022, a joint team from the WHO and NIV Mumbai visited KIMS to assess site preparedness and impart training. The PI for the project was Dr. Madhu Chhanda Mohanty, Scientist-E from NIV, Mumbai Unit. The WHO team was lead by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, National Officer (Research), while a representative from Odisha NPSP was Dr. Nihar Ranjan Rai. The team was welcomed by KIMS Principal, Prof. Brig. A. P. Mohanty, Dean (R&D), Prof. R. N. Misra and Head of Paediatrics, Prof. Manas Behera.
The team was oriented about KIMS and KIIT Deemed to be University and they assessed laboratory and hospital facilities. They also interacted with HOD of Microbiology, Prof. A. K. Praharaj and Dr. Raj Kumar Patra, Consultant, Molecular Lab. They were happy with the arrangements and granted permission to KIMS to start the project. They also conducted training for the site investigators and the team.
The team at KIMS is led by Dr. Sakir Ahmed, Associate Professor, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology and Dr. Sibabrata Patnaik, Associate Professor, Paediatrics.