Students from villages near Pune gained valuable knowledge about viruses and disease prevention during an outreach program organized by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune. The event, held on January 30 and 31, 2025, was part of the institute’s Foundation Day celebrations, which are observed annually on February 4.
Educating Students on Viral Diseases and Prevention
A team of NIV scientists, including Dr. Sunil Vaidya, Dr. Kunal Pise, Dr. Rima Sahay, Dr. Pradeep Sawant, and Dr. Mehrunissa Raje, visited four schools:
- Shree Bhairavnath Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Shirur
- Shri Malikarjun Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Shirur
- New English School, Ghotawade
- Pirangut English School and Junior College
The sessions covered disease transmission and prevention strategies for Hepatitis A, Influenza, Dengue, and Zika. Scientists emphasized the importance of vaccination, hygiene, and sanitation in reducing infection risks.
Hands-on Learning and Scientific Demonstrations
Students from Classes 8 and 9 were introduced to ICMR-NIV’s research in viral diagnostics, vaccine development, and disease control. Key learning points included:
- Disease transmission pathways – waterborne, respiratory, and vector-borne infections.
- Practical hygiene measures – proper handwashing, mask usage, and sanitization.
- Entomology demonstrations – observing mosquito lifecycles under microscopes to understand vector-borne diseases like Dengue and Zika.
- Wildlife and disease transmission – discussions on how animals contribute to viral outbreaks.
To promote hygienic practices, the institute distributed sanitizers, surgical masks, and dustbins to participating schools.
Encouraging Scientific Awareness and Social Responsibility
Dr. Naveen Kumar, NIV’s director and senior scientist, emphasized the program’s goal of fostering scientific curiosity and social responsibility among students. “The outreach program encouraged students to become health ambassadors in their communities, spreading awareness on disease prevention and safety,” he said.
By connecting scientific research with real-life health practices, ICMR-NIV aims to equip students with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities from infectious diseases.
