From January 30 to 31, 2025, the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) in Pune organized an outreach programme for school students from rural areas. The initiative coincided with the institute’s annual Foundation Day celebrations and aimed to educate students on viral diseases like Hepatitis A, Influenza, Dengue, and Zika.
Scientists from the institute visited four rural schools in the Pune district, including Shree Bhairavnath Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Shri Malikarjun Secondary and Higher Secondary School, New English School, and Pirangut English School and Junior College. Students from Classes 8 and 9 participated in educational sessions covering disease transmission pathways, vaccine development, and the importance of hygiene and sanitation in disease prevention.
The hands-on learning experience included a demonstration of mosquito lifecycles using entomology slides, allowing students to observe mosquito larvae under microscopes. The programme also highlighted the role of wildlife in disease transmission and emphasized the importance of everyday health practices such as handwashing and mask usage.
To reinforce the importance of cleanliness, sanitizers, surgical masks, and dustbins were distributed to the schools. The outreach programme aimed to inspire students to become health ambassadors in their communities, promoting knowledge about disease prevention and hygiene practices.
ICMR-NIV’s efforts to make science accessible and practical for rural students are expected to encourage social responsibility and scientific curiosity. By linking research with everyday health practices, the initiative is empowering the next generation to prioritize health and well-being in their communities.
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