New Delhi, September 2024 – In a significant boost to global health research, the University of Sydney has pledged AU$100,000 to the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) to support ongoing collaborations on critical health challenges. The funding will enable researchers from both countries to address some of the most pressing issues in public health, including antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and vaccine development.
The formalization of this strengthened partnership took place in New Delhi, where PHFI President Sanjay Zodpey and Professor Antoine van Oijen from the University of Sydney led the discussions. The collaboration will focus on several key areas: disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and the development of innovative medical solutions, such as new vaccines. Furthermore, it will aim to train the next generation of health professionals in both India and Australia, building a robust workforce equipped to tackle emerging global health threats.
Experts from the University of Sydney, including specialists in infectious diseases, nanomedicine, and public health, emphasized the complementary strengths of both institutions. “By combining our expertise in health sciences with PHFI’s on-ground knowledge and experience, we can advance critical research in areas like antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases,” said Professor van Oijen.
The partnership will also prioritize One Health initiatives—a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. These initiatives are particularly relevant in the face of increasing global health risks, where factors such as climate change and population growth contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases.
PHFI President Sanjay Zodpey highlighted the importance of such international collaborations in addressing health challenges that transcend national borders. “Our partnership with the University of Sydney is a testament to the power of shared knowledge and resources in finding solutions to some of the world’s most urgent health problems,” Zodpey remarked.
By focusing on research, innovation, and capacity building, this collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to improving public health in India and Australia while addressing broader global health challenges. The joint efforts of these institutions underscore the growing importance of international cooperation in tackling issues like antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases, which pose threats to human health on a global scale.
This landmark collaboration marks a new chapter in India-Australia health partnerships, with the potential for significant breakthroughs in the fight against global health challenges.