COMMUNICABLE &
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
In 2023, India became the most populous country in the world. There remain numerous public health challenges that require acute attention. The country has the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the world, over 12 lakh people have HIV, and contributes to half of the worldwide diphtheria cases.
Non-communicable diseases contribute to over 63% of deaths and are assumed to cost $3.6 trillion by 2030.
These health challenges impact various populations in unique manners. Working on the challenges requires using real-time evidence, along with centre-staging voices of the individuals that are affected.
ETI works to build research and evidence to design effective solutions, that incorporate the experiences of those impacted. ETI brings over three decades of experience working on the global priorities of tuberculosis, malaria, and cervical cancer, with a technical and policy advisory.
Priorities
MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION
Mental illness accounts for over13-15% of the global disease burden. Over the last three decades, every seventh Indian has suffered due to mental illnesses.
Nearly 150 million Indians require mental health care, but less than 30 million receive it. India also has the highest burden of deaths by suicide in the world, affecting a variety of populations. Lack of awareness, socio-legal barriers, societal stigma, and inadequate infrastructure hamper proper mental healthcare in the country.
ETI works steadily towards raising awareness, dispelling stigma, ensuring access to safe spaces, and transforming communication around mental health discourse.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
India is home to approximately 432 million women of working age. Of these, more than 3/4th are not in the labour force and often unpaid.
Women run less than 14% of India's businesses and worryingly India’s female labor force participation has fallen 9 points lower than it was 15 years ago.
ETI aligns itself with the Indian government’s priorities, working closely with civil society partners for women entrepreneurship, with an ultimate aim to embolden women for stronger and healthier societies.
ADOLESCENT & YOUTH HEALTH
At over 250 million, adolescents make up 70% of India's youth,
and continue to face grave challenges. The youth today also remains de-prioritised, with their issues brushed under the carpet.
There are challenges to access to safe space, proper sexual and reproductive healthcare, pressures of employment, and mental health challenges.
ETI works on adolescent issues such as increasing self-efficacy, creating access to sexual, reproductive, and mental health resources. We recognize and focus on adolescent girls, who are particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition, school-dropout, child marriage and teen pregnancies.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The impact of climate change is profoundly impacting populations across the country in various ways - restricting access to clean water and sanitation which further affects education, health and life of individuals.
These challenges further impact individuals, especially vulnerable communities like women & young girls who are prone to violence. 80% of those displaced by climate change are women and children.
ETI works to centre-stage community-based solutions and ensure that the affected populations play an integral role in policy development.
