Public Health Resource Network

Public Health Resource Network (PHRN) focuses on enhancing the public health systems. It empowers practitioners with essential knowledge and skills, fostering evidence-based policy development through Health Policy and Systems Research. The organisation contributes to village committees by building capacities and advocates for community monitoring processes. Through these initiatives, PHRN strives to fortify the foundation of public health and ensure informed decision-making.

PHRN actively engages in promoting nutritional awareness and action. Collaborating with women's self-help groups, communities, and local institutions, it advocates for a balanced diet encompassing diverse food groups, including grains, legumes, animal-based foods, and vegetables. Through these efforts, PHRN contributes to fostering improved nutritional practices among individuals and communities.

The organisation employs Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) as a transformative tool, engaging various community members including self-help groups, frontline workers, and health committee members. Through this approach, PHRN facilitates community mobilization, fostering long-term capacity building and yielding improved maternal and child health outcomes. The PLA technique empowers communities, enhancing their involvement in health, sanitation, and nutrition initiatives, contributing to better overall well-being.

PHRN has pioneered a community-driven initiative focused on early childhood care. This programme, known as the AAM Initiative, was launched in collaboration with a consortium including PHRS, Ekjut, CINI, Chaupal, and IDEA, supported by Tata Trusts, to address malnutrition among children under three years in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The initiative emphasizes continuity of care by fostering a connection between communities, service providers, and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers. PHRS's commitment extends to implementing the "Mainstreaming Creches to Reduce Malnutrition in Odisha" project, establishing 150 crèches across five southern districts of the state in partnership with The Philanthropy and the Government of Odisha. Through these efforts, PHRN works to ensure holistic child care and nutrition support.

PHRN is actively engaged in operational research to strengthen public health and nutrition efforts. Among its research initiatives are studies focused on livelihood and dietary diversity within Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These efforts aim to enhance nutritional outcomes for women and children under three by promoting improved food diversity. Additionally, these studies contribute to empowering women, ensuring their active involvement and influence in matters concerning health and well-being. Through these research initiatives, PHRN strives to create meaningful impacts on public health and nutrition within marginalized communities.