National Institute of Epidemiology

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss inaugurating the National Institute of Epidemiology, at Chennai on October 30, 2006

National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) is a premier public health institute in India, involved in research, training, and consultancy in the field of epidemiology. It operates under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which is an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research.

History

The NIE was established on July 2, 1999, by merging the Central JALMA Institute for Leprosy (CJIL Field Unit), Tamil Nadu, and the Institute for Research in Medical Statistics (IRMS), New Delhi. This merger was aimed at addressing the growing need for epidemiological studies in India. The institute was set up with the primary objective of developing a strong base in epidemiology in the country, as well as enhancing the capacity of the states in disease surveillance and outbreak investigations.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the National Institute of Epidemiology is to improve the public health of India by conducting significant research in epidemiology and providing training to enhance the capacity of the state and national health systems. Its vision encompasses being a leader in the field of epidemiology, contributing to health policy and practice both nationally and globally.

Research and Activities

NIE conducts a wide range of research activities focusing on communicable and non-communicable diseases. The institute is renowned for its work on viral diseases, including HIV/AIDS, influenza, and other emerging and re-emerging infections. It also focuses on lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are of growing concern in India.

One of the key projects of NIE is the Indian Council of Medical Research's National Registry of Infectious Diseases, which aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of infectious diseases across the country. Additionally, the institute plays a crucial role in the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), a nationwide surveillance program in India for infectious diseases.

Training Programs

NIE offers various training programs and courses in epidemiology and public health. These include short-term training programs, workshops, and advanced courses like the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP). These programs are designed to build capacity in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and research methodology among health professionals in India.

Facilities

The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure to support its research and training activities. It has a well-established computer lab for data analysis, a library with a vast collection of books and journals in the field of public health and epidemiology, and conference rooms for workshops and seminars.

Collaborations

NIE has established collaborations with various national and international organizations to enhance its research and training capabilities. These partnerships include collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, and public health institutions in other countries.

Conclusion

The National Institute of Epidemiology plays a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and practices in India through its research, training, and consultancy services. By focusing on the epidemiological aspects of various diseases, the NIE contributes significantly to the understanding and control of health problems in India, thereby improving the overall health status of the population.