KHPT, in collaboration with St. John’s Research Institute (SJRI) and district authorities, launched the “First 1000 Days of Life: Implementation Research for a District Model of Care in Karnataka, India” project in Chitradurga on February 19, 2025.

The event was attended by key government officials, including Shri. Somashaker S.J (CEO, RDPR), Dr Bharathi Banakar (DD-WCD), Dr. GP Renuprasad (DHO), Dr. DM Abhinava (RCHO), Dr. Ravindran S (District Surgeon, Chitradurga), and Dr. Suman Rao (HOD, Neonatology, St. John Medical College Hospital). Also present were pediatricians and gynecologists from St. John Medical College Hospital, along with KHPT representatives from MNCH and research teams.

This initiative aims to enhance maternal and child health outcomes through  strengthening the community and systems for services during the critical first 1000 days using an evidence-based approach.

As part of the launch, KHPT organized a stakeholder engagement workshop with the Health & Family welfare department and Women & Child Development (WCD) departments. The workshop focused on strengthening collaboration, improving healthcare delivery, and developing effective interventions towards optimum early childhood growth and development.