Space meets public health: IIPHS-NESAC tie-up to track disease, climate risks in NE

SHILLONG, JUL 1: Satellite data will soon power disease forecasting and climate-linked health planning in Meghalaya and the Northeast, following an MoU signed Tuesday between the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).

Signed by Dr S P Aggarwal, Director of NESAC, and Dr Sandra Albert, Director of IIPHS, at the Dhanketi campus, the agreement marks a step toward applying ISRO’s space technology to One Health research in the region.

The collaboration will merge public health data with satellite-derived environmental and climate inputs to develop geo-statistical models.

These models will map high-risk zones, detect emerging disease hotspots, predict outbreaks, and measure climate change impacts on health.

Officials said the tools will boost early warning systems and guide targeted interventions, especially in remote hilly areas where on-ground surveillance is challenging.

The partnership also covers capacity building and climate-informed planning to improve resource use and strengthen health system resilience.

The move is expected to enhance disease prevention, control, and overall public health preparedness across Meghalaya and the North Eastern Region.

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