Book co-authored by AIIMS Director on India's fight against Covid-19 released

Commenting on the scope of the virus and its future, co-author Gagandeep Kang, an infectious disease researcher who links community-based research to high quality laboratory investigation, said: "Viruses emerge and sweep through the world because of human action, but scientists now have the ability to recognise new infections early, track their spread, and develop tools for diagnosis and prevention quicker than ever before in history."

"The scale of SARS-CoV2 was surprising, but in just a few months, our increased understanding and effective approaches have been able to better prevent infections and treat those who are severely ill. We will handle this pandemic and use what we learn to do better next time," added Kang, who, with 30 years of research at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, has built collaborative programmes focused on enteric diseases, nutrition and the environment and supported the development of two rotavirus vaccines made by Indian companies through clinical and laboratory testing.

One of the key developments during the Covid-19 pandemic has been that health became a mainstream discourse, said co-author Chandrakant Lahariya, a leading public policy and health systems expert who has received advanced training in epidemiology, vaccinology, immunology and public health and who has extensive experience in disease control and elimination through his works on polio elimination, routine immunisation strengthening as well as epidemic investigations.

"The need for stronger health systems and a better provision of public health (preventive and promotive) services has been recognised by political leaders, policy makers and public alike. There is emerging learning that the countries with stronger primary health care services had more effective pandemics response.

"The book delves into how learnings from COVID-19 pandemic can be used to strengthen Indian health system, for better, forever. It is up to all of us to convert the challenge posed by pandemic as an opportunity to strengthen health systems. We sincerely hope that everyone will find the book helpful in their day to day life," Lahariya added.

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