Hyderabad

UK-India Research Partnership Meet Focuses on Women’s Health

Hyderabad: The first-ever India-UK Research Partnership Meet kicked off in Hyderabad, hosted by the Fernandez Hospital Education & Research Foundation (FHERF) in collaboration with the University of Liverpool. The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening research and education ties between the two nations, with a primary focus on advancing women’s health through collaborative efforts and shared expertise.

Held at Fernandez Stork Home, the discussions centered around maternal and child health challenges and the importance of evidence-based approaches in improving healthcare outcomes. Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, an expert in women’s health and India Lead at the University of Liverpool, delivered the keynote address. A key collaborator with the World Health Organization (WHO), she emphasized the necessity of collective efforts in ensuring high-quality care for women, irrespective of their geography or socio-economic status.

“Research-driven partnerships like these bridge the gap between science and real-world impact. By working together, we can turn evidence into action and ensure that every woman receives the highest standard of care,” said Professor Thangaratinam.

The event saw participation from government representatives of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, UNICEF, and leading higher education institutions. Indie Kaur, Director of Midwifery at Fernandez Foundation, highlighted the pivotal role of midwife-led care models in ensuring safe and respectful maternity care.

“Midwifery is the backbone of safe and respectful maternity care. By integrating midwife-led models with cutting-edge research, we can create a future where every woman experiences a positive and empowered childbirth journey,” she stated.

Adding to the discussions, Gareth Owen, Deputy British High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to fostering impactful research collaborations with India.

“The UK and India share a rich history of academic and healthcare collaborations. This partnership in women’s health research is a testament to our shared ambition of improving maternal and newborn care through innovation, evidence-based policy, and education,” he noted.

Prominent figures in attendance included Dr Evita Fernandez (Chairperson & MD, Fernandez Foundation), Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse (Chief of Field Office, UNICEF – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Telangana), Dr Anthony Vipin Das (Chairperson, Fernandez Innovations Forum), Dr Anil Kumar (Additional Director, Maternal & Child Health, Government of Andhra Pradesh), and Dr Sumitra (Programme Officer, Maternal & Child Health, Government of Telangana).

With key experts and stakeholders engaged in insightful discussions, the UK-India Research Partnership Meet has set the stage for future collaborations, funding opportunities, and knowledge exchange, ultimately aiming to improve women’s healthcare across India and beyond.

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