USTM scientist joins landmark Lancet study

Dr Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Biology at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has contributed to a landmark international study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, one of the world's leading medical journals.

Dr Mohanta is a Senior Collaborator with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Washington University, USA.

The study, titled Global Burden of Enteric Infectious Diseases, Diarrhoeal Diseases, and Corresponding Aetiologies, 1990–2023: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of diarrhoeal and enteric infectious diseases over the past three decades.

The research examines disease prevalence, mortality, disability and the pathogens responsible for enteric infections across countries and regions. It found that despite improvements in sanitation, healthcare access and disease prevention, diarrhoeal diseases remain a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

According to the researchers, the findings are expected to help governments, healthcare agencies and international organisations develop evidence-based policies and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of these diseases.

Reacting to the publication, Dr Mohanta said participating in the study was both an honour and a responsibility.

"The Global Burden of Disease initiative generates evidence that is vital for informed public health decision-making. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of disease patterns and help governments allocate resources more effectively for disease prevention and control," he said.

USTM Vice Chancellor Prof G.D. Sharma congratulated Dr Mohanta, describing the achievement as a matter of pride for the university and the Northeast.

He said the publication in The Lancet Infectious Diseases reflects the quality of research being undertaken at USTM and demonstrates the institution's growing contribution to global scientific research.

The Global Burden of Disease Study, coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is regarded as one of the world's most comprehensive efforts to measure disease burden and health trends. Its findings are widely used by governments, researchers and international organisations to shape public health policies.