PRASHO Foundation

Our Launch-Unveiling our Journey

PHPHI Workshop- Public Health Planning for Hearing Impairment

Disability Data Initiative Dissemination

SEVA Meetup

Fred Hollows Fellowship- Public Health Training

GSPARC Meeting

Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti’s Memorial Award Launch

• Dr. Aashrai Sai Venkat Gudlavalleti Memorial Award
• The Dr. Aashrai Sai Venkat Gudlavalleti Memorial Award is an annual recognition dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of young Indian neurologists and neurological researchers. Established in memory of Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti (1989–2024), a compassionate neurologist who dedicated his life to patient care and scientific advancement, this award aims to support and inspire innovation in neuroepidemiology, neuroinfectious diseases, and neurological sciences.

G-SPARC Conference

A significant announcement was made on April 19 at the PRASHO Foundation office in Hyderabad, where over 40 global and local organizations convened to address critical public health challenges related to infections. The meeting, chaired by Sri R Govind Hari (PRASHO), Prof. Ranga Reddy Burri (G-SPARC 2024 & IFCAI), and Prof. B. R. Shamanna (UoH), emphasized the “One Health” approach and aligned with India’s G20 policy priorities, particularly the Delhi Declaration on combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
G-SPARC 2024 was outlined as a platform to unify the Global South in addressing key issues such as Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), AMR, and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). With participation anticipated from over 50 countries across Asia, Africa, the GCC, and South America, the conference aimed to develop sustainable, context-specific public health solutions under the theme “Unify Global South to Fight Infections and Stop Pandemics.”
The stakeholders unanimously pledged their support for the initiative, reinforcing a collaborative commitment to advancing health priorities across the Global South.

8th Global Disability Conference

The 8th International Conference on Disability and Development, held in Hyderabad, focused on advancing inclusive research and systems to support people with disabilities. Organized by PRASHO Foundation, the PENDA Programme, ICED, and LSHTM, the event brought together over 100 in-person participants and several virtual attendees, including researchers, policymakers, and activists.
A key emphasis of the conference was the urgency of addressing barriers faced by people with disabilities through evidence-based interventions and inclusive systems. Discussions revolved around translating research into impactful solutions, addressing data gaps, and enhancing disability-inclusive policies and service delivery.
A key milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PRASHO and Mobility India to collaborate on research, capacity building, and data dissemination, aiming to strengthen accessibility and assistive technologies. The event underscored the importance of robust data, evidence-based practices, and policymaking to bridge gaps and empower people with disabilities.

MOU with Sahara Society
We are thrilled to announce a transformative partnership between Pragyaan Sustainable Health Outcomes Foundation (PRASHO) and Sahara Health and Development Society through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 🤝
This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing public health and social development, with a shared commitment to:
✅ Developing evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes. ✅ Empowering individuals and communities with equitable and accessible quality healthcare.
✅ Jointly delivering impactful programs like the Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for healthcare and rehabilitation professionals.

Seva Canada & PRASHO Launch Research Capacity Building Project in Nepal & India

Seva Canada and PRASHO kicked off their Research Capacity Building Project in February with visits to partner eye hospitals in Nepal and India. These visits assessed research capabilities and explored future opportunities.

Ahead of the ISGEO conference in April, representatives from 10 hospitals will join a workshop in Kathmandu to enhance research skills and foster collaboration in eye health.

Strengthening Research in Eye Care | Seva Canada Project

PRASHO Foundation is committed to advancing research and innovation in eye health. As part of this mission, Dr. Anirudh Gaurang Gudlavaleti visited Tejas Eye Hospital, Surat, India, and Bharatpur Eye Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal, in February and March 2025 under the Seva Canada Project.

These visits aimed to assess research capabilities, explore future opportunities, and enhance collaboration in eye care research. By working closely with these institutions, the project seeks to strengthen evidence-based practices and improve vision care services for underserved communities.

Through such initiatives, PRASHO Foundation continues to support research-driven solutions that contribute to sustainable improvements in global eye health.

Join Us in Advancing Eye Care

We thank our partners for their dedication and look forward to more collaborative efforts in research and innovation.

🚀 Advancing Eye Health Research | Seva Canada Project 👁️✨

At PRASHO Foundation, we are dedicated to driving research and innovation in eye care. As part of this commitment, Dr. GVS Murthy visited R.M. Kedia Eye Hospital, Birjung, Nepal, in March 2025 under the Seva Canada Project.

The visit focused on assessing research capabilities, exploring collaboration opportunities, and strengthening evidence-based practices to enhance vision care, particularly for underserved communities.

By fostering partnerships with leading institutions, this initiative aims to enhance research, improve eye care services, and ensure better vision health for underserved communities.

🔬 PRASHO Foundation remains committed to research-driven solutions that lead to sustainable advancements in global eye health.

💙 Join Us in Transforming Eye Care!

Disability Data Initiative: Launch of Comprehensive Disability Statistics Databases in south Asia region

The PRASHO Foundation, South Asia hub for the Disability Data Initiative (DDI), is proud to announce the launch of two powerful new tools for advancing disability advocacy and policy:

✅ Disability Statistics – Questionnaire Review (DS-QR) Database

Assesses national surveys and censuses for alignment with international standards, helping identify gaps in disability data collection.

✅ Disability Statistics – Estimates (DS-E) Database

Provides internationally comparable disability data from 40 countries and 6,584 regions, offering insights into disparities in health, education, employment, and more.

Supported by the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, these resources will help governments, researchers, and advocates push for inclusive, evidence-based policies aligned with the CRPD.

🔍 Key Findings:

• Higher rates of domestic violence and child mortality among women with disabilities
• Unequal access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation
• Greater obesity trends among women with disabilities

Experts at the launch, including representatives from UNICEF, Fordham University, University of Hyderabad, and PRASHO, emphasized the urgent need for disaggregated data, inclusive policy action, and investment in rehabilitation services.

📊 These tools mark a major step forward in making persons with disabilities visible in data—and central to development.

Strengthening Inclusive Eye Care in Kolkata

As part of our partnership with CBM, the PRASHO team recently visited Kolkata for the 3 States Evaluation of the Inclusive Vision Centre (IVC) initiative.

The visit provided valuable insights into how accessible and inclusive eye care services are being delivered—especially for persons with disabilities (PwDs). We witnessed firsthand the impact of disability-friendly infrastructure, trained service providers, and community engagement in improving access to quality eye care.

This field visit reinforces our commitment to building health systems that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to all.

Field Visit to Siliguri Greater Lions Hospital: Advancing Inclusive Eye Care

As part of PRASHO’s ongoing partnership with CBM, our team conducted a field visit in March 2025 to Siliguri Greater Lions Hospital, located in the Siliguri district of West Bengal. This visit was carried out under the framework of the 3 States Evaluation of the Inclusive Vision Centre (IVC) initiative.

The purpose of this visit was to assess the implementation and effectiveness of inclusive eye care services being provided at the grassroots level. What we encountered was a compelling demonstration of how thoughtful design, accessible infrastructure, and empathetic service delivery can come together to create healthcare that truly includes everyone—especially persons with disabilities.

Interacting with service users, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders offered deep insight into the transformative impact of inclusive vision services. These conversations were a poignant reminder of the value of equitable healthcare and the importance of continuing to build systems that leave no one behind.

We extend our sincere appreciation to CBM and the dedicated teams at Siliguri Greater Lions Hospital for their unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

This field visit has reaffirmed our belief that inclusion is not optional—it is essential. PRASHO remains committed to supporting and strengthening inclusive healthcare initiatives across the country.

Evaluation for ABF Villages – Operation Eyesight Universal:
The evaluation team from PRASHO Foundation visited Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the Avoidable Blindness-Free (ABF) village declarations. Field activities included rapid surveys and stakeholder interviews in rural and forested regions.
Additionally, an expert consensus workshop was held on July 17th to develop standardized ABF guidelines.

Sankara Eye Foundation
A research prioritization workshop was conducted along with a brainstorming session on 18th and 19th July 2025 at Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF), Bengaluru. The sessions focused on identifying key research areas and planning capacity-building initiatives for SEF team and DNB students/fellows to strengthen evidence-based ophthalmic research.

Oxford Brookes University Visit
A team from Oxford Brookes University visited PRASHO to engage in discussions around the design and delivery of short courses focused on palliative care and infection prevention and control strategies. The visit aimed to explore collaborative opportunities for developing contextually relevant training modules that strengthen healthcare capacity and community-based support systems.

19th Annual Vision2020 India National Conference on Community Ophthalmology
Date: 11–13 July 2025
Venue: Blind People’s Association (India), Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Theme: “Breaking Barriers: Inclusion and Accessibility in Eye Care – A Step Towards Viksit Bharat 2047”

Our President Dr. GVS Murthy participated in the 19th Annual National Conference on Community Ophthalmology, a key event that brought together ophthalmologists, public health professionals, NGOs, and policymakers from across the country. The conference served as a vibrant platform for discussions around inclusive and accessible eye care as a critical step towards building a healthier and more equitable India.
Key Highlights:

• Inclusive approaches in Community Ophthalmology
• Technological innovations improving service delivery
• Accessibility-focused strategies for persons with disabilities
• Collaborative action steps aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision

The sessions and workshops promoted knowledge sharing, cross-sector collaboration, and the strengthening of community-level eye health services.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Blind People’s Association (India) for hosting this impactful gathering, and to all the contributors, speakers, and delegates who made the event a resounding success.

1st Advisory Board Meeting – PRASHO Foundation

Date: July 15, 2025
Location: Virtual

The PRASHO Foundation successfully hosted its 1st Advisory Board Meeting on July 15, 2025. This milestone event brought together a distinguished global panel of experts and leaders from the fields of public health, eye care, disability inclusion, infection prevention and control, healthcare systems, and social development.

Chaired by Mr. R. Govindhari, the meeting opened with a welcome address and member introductions. The leadership team presented updates on current projects, strategic partnerships, and future plans. Dr. G.V.S. Murthy shared a comprehensive overview of program progress, while Dr. Anirudh Gaurang outlined key regulatory developments affecting health and development funding in India. The session concluded with Dr. Ranga Reddy presenting the way forward and delivering the vote of thanks.

This meeting with everyone’s collective thoughts reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to driving equitable, sustainable impact through innovation, collaboration, and systemic change. The PRASHO Foundation extends sincere thanks to all board members for their ongoing guidance and support as we continue working toward a healthier, more inclusive future.

Exploring Vision and Visibility Along India’s Highways
We had the opportunity to visit Sightsavers’ Vision Centres in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Salem, and Udaipur.

These visits offered powerful insights — not just into the programme’s reach (screening over 5,00,000 truckers across the Golden Quadrilateral), but also into the human stories behind it:

👁️ Truck drivers navigating long routes with untreated vision issues
🩺 Dedicated Vision Centre teams providing care in busy transport hubs
📍 Communities built around halts, ports, and industrial yards that become touchpoints for public healthThe Hub and Spoke model — with static Vision Centres and mobile outreach — is a remarkable example of tailoring services to where people are, rather than the other way around.

It’s a great opportunity to reflect on what inclusive health systems look like in real operational settings — especially for mobile and occupationally vulnerable groups.

Strengthening Newborn Eye Health in Aurangabad

On 2nd August 2025, PRASHO Foundation conducted an evaluation of the
ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) project implemented by Dr. Hedgewar
Hospital, Aurangabad, with the support of FootSoldiers for Health.

The visit was led by Dr. GVS Murthy along with Dr. Santosh Kraleti, Founder of
FootSoldiers for Health. The evaluation aimed to review the project’s implementation, assess outcomes, and explore opportunities for strengthening neonatal eye care services.

We appreciate the dedicated efforts of the hospital team and all partners involved in making a difference in preventing childhood blindness.

Charting the Future of Avoidable Blindness – Free Villages in INDIA

On 17 July 2025, PRASHO Foundation, in partnership with Operation Eyesight Universal, convened an Expert Consensus Workshop to shape the path toward Avoidable Blindness-Free (ABF) villages in India.

The workshop brought together leading ophthalmologists, public health leaders, program managers, and community eye health experts from across the country. Through dynamic discussions and consensus voting, the group defined clear, evidence-based criteria for ABF declaration — aligned with national priorities and the global “2030 In Sight” goals.

These guidelines will strengthen identification and sustainability of ABF areas, while providing a scalable model for equitable eye care delivery across diverse communities. Together, we move closer to a future where no one suffers vision loss from avoidable causes.

Celebrating 25 Years of Mission for Vision & Shaping the Path Ahead

The PRASHO Foundation team was honoured to join Mission for Vision in celebrating an incredible 25-year journey of advancing eye health across India. This milestone was not only a celebration of impact but also a moment to reflect on the partnerships, dedication, and innovation that have transformed countless lives.

As part of the event, we collaborated with MFV’s leadership and partners to develop their Strategic Action Plan (2026–2030) — charting priorities, fostering partnerships, and defining pathways to ensure their mission continues to deliver inclusive, equitable, and impactful eye health services in the years ahead. The passion and commitment in the room were truly inspiring — a reminder that sustainable change comes from both looking back with gratitude and looking forward with purpose.

The Elite School of Optometry’s International Vision Science and Optometry Conference (EIVOC 2025) was successfully held from 15th to 17th August 2025 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

With the participation of over 2000 delegates, EIVOC 2025 proved to be a remarkable platform for knowledge sharing, research discussions, and global collaboration in the field of vision science and optometry.

A special highlight of the conference was the invited talk by Dr. GVS Murthy, President of PRASHO Foundation, on “Are We on Track to Meet eREC and eCSC Targets by 2030?”. His insights shed light on the progress and challenges in achieving global eye health goals.

We are proud to have been part of this impactful conference that continues to inspire innovation and drive advancements in vision care.

🌍Public Health: A Government Responsibility & Every Citizen’s Right 🌍

Dr. GVS Murthy, President of PRASHO (Pragyaan Sustainable Health Outcomes) Foundation, delivered a keynote address at the National Health Seminar organized by Praja Arogya Vedika in Vijayawada.
The theme of the seminar was: “Consequences of Healthcare Privatization.”

In his address, Dr. GVS Murthy shared evidence from Europe on the poorer health outcomes after government health services were privatized. He emphasized that healthcare corporatization reduces the access and takes health care beyond their reach for 80% of the population, given individual monthly incomes in India as demonstrated by the Economic Survey 2023. He also emphasized that the Government should take responsibility of providing quality health care to the 80% who cannot afford corporate pricing and that primary health care should continue to be managed primarily by the Government. Public health is not a privilege — it is a fundamental right of every citizen as every Indian is now a tax payer as they pay for GST whenever they procure any product.

This message also resonated with the recent The Hindu article titled “Affordable healthcare is every citizen’s right”, further strengthening the call for universal, equitable healthcare.
✅ Key Takeaways from Dr. GVS Murthy’s message:

• Public health is a core government responsibility.
• Primary healthcare under government management reduces both disease burden and out-of-pocket expenditure.
• At least 80% of secondary and tertiary care should be the responsibility of the government and the government could decide whether they contract the services or manage them directly.
• Smaller NGO hospitals should be roped in by the Government to partner for delivering health care at affordable prices rather than incentivizing the corporate sector.
• Affordable healthcare is a right, and not a prerogative of a privileged few.
  
  ✨ Dr. GVS Murthy’s vision reinforces a simple truth: A strong public health system is the backbone of equity, justice, and universal access to healthcare.
  📖 Read more here: The Hindu Article
  🎥 Full Speech: Watch here

DDI Internal Review Meetings and External Stakeholders Interaction, Hyderabad 2025 (9–11th September 2025)
PRASHO Foundation successfully hosted the Disability Data Initiative (DDI) Internal Review Meetings and External Stakeholders Interaction 2025 under the theme “Fighting for Disability Rights with Data.” This three-day engagement brought together global leaders, policymakers, researchers, and disability advocates.
🔹 Internal Review Meetings (9–11 Sept)
 The internal review meetings focused on reviewing the 2025 DS-QR & DS-E Databases, analyzing regional disability statistics, and presenting research on healthcare access and child mortality and identifying future directions. It laid the foundation for long-term strategies and sustainable resource planning to advance disability rights.
🔹 External Stakeholders Interaction (10 Sept)
 Hosted at PRASHO Foundation, the interaction featured distinguished speakers and panelists:

• Dr. B. Ranga Reddy – Vice Chairman, PRASHO Foundation
• Dr. Prof. G.V.S. Murthy – President, PRASHO Foundation
• Prof. Sophie Mitra – Fordham University, New York, USA
• Shri R. Gyanashekar – Joint Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Telangana
• Shri A. Sri Raghu – Deputy Director, Directorate of Census Operations Telangana
• Dr. Bradley Carpenter – SAMRC, South Africa
• Prof. Minerva Rivas Velarde – Geneva School of Health Sciences
• Dr. Sureshkumar Kamalakannan – PRASHO Foundation & Northumbria University
• Prof. B.R. Shamanna – University of Hyderabad
• Mr. Srinivasulu – NPdO
• Dr. Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse – UNICEF
• Prof. Monica Pinilla Roncancio – Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
• Prof. Jill Hanass-Hancock – SAMRC, South Africa
• Dr. Sridhar RP, Public Health Specialist, UNICEF.
  
  These interactions reaffirm PRASHO Foundation’s commitment to data-driven advocacy, inclusive policies, and disability rights. PRASHO continues to champion equity, inclusion, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.

RAVI Survey – Community Eye Health Initiative in Nabarang
As part of the RAVI (Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment) Survey, we recently conducted a vision screening and awareness program in the rural communities of Nabarang.

Our team engaged in door-to-door eye screenings and community interactions, emphasizing the importance of regular eye checkups and early detection of visual impairment.

This initiative underscores the significance of grassroots healthcare interventions, ensuring that critical eye care services are accessible to even the most underserved populations.

By addressing preventable blindness at the community level, we move one step closer to advancing equity in healthcare.

This program was carried out under the guidance of Dr. GVS Murthy, President of Prasho Foundation, with the valuable participation of Dr. Srinivas, Dr. Abhilash, and Ms. Sarah. Their guidance and involvement were instrumental in strengthening this important initiative.

A heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, field workers, and community members whose commitment made this effort impactful. Together, we are working towards a future where affordable and accessible eye care is a reality for all.

Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital and PRASHO Foundation Partner to Establish Global Centre of Excellence in Community Ophthalmology

AJEH and PRASHO Foundation have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18th October 2025 to advance Public Health Eye Care in Mastichak, Patna, Bihar. This collaboration will establish the Akhand Jyoti Institute of Community Ophthalmology (AJICO), a Global Centre of Excellence at AJEH in Bihar. PRASHO Foundation will support AJICO in developing research capacity by co-designing academic programs like DNB/MD in Community Ophthalmology, and providing expertise in research and data analytics, while AJEH will lead implementation. The initiative aims to eliminate avoidable blindness, build skilled manpower, and promote community-based eye care across India.