In partnership with the University of Hyderabad (UoH), AQH has embarked on a groundbreaking longitudinal cohort study to create and implement a human-centered Population Health Management (PHM) model. This initiative addresses the urgent need to adopt a comprehensive, data-driven approach to public health within university communities, aiming for long-term health outcomes and resilience.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” – this project will span three years and focus on enhancing the health of the UoH campus community. By targeting non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, the study aims to foster a healthier, more resilient population.

The core objective of this study is to design a sustainable, community-centered health management strategy that is adaptable, scalable, and impactful for populations beyond just UoH, influencing public health strategies in similar contexts nationwide.

Pilot Testing Overview:

The study begins with an extensive health systems assessment to identify the strengths and gaps in the current healthcare infrastructure in India, specifically within the UoH community. Building on these insights, the project will test and refine a Population Health Management (PHM) model that integrates health data across multiple dimensions to guide preventive and curative care strategies. This will enable the team to create a targeted, effective framework for addressing the leading causes of morbidity and mortality related to NCDs.

The assessment process includes:

• Comprehensive Health System Evaluation: A thorough review of the health systems within the context of the UoH community and broader national frameworks. This will assess critical factors like governance, health resources, service delivery, and accessibility.
• Health System Resilience: Evaluation of the resilience of current health systems to respond to health crises, with a focus on identifying vulnerabilities and developing strategies to strengthen them, ensuring sustained health outcomes.
• Key Indicator Areas: The assessment will collect and analyze data across a wide range of factors that influence health outcomes, such as:
  • • Socioeconomic Data: Understanding income levels, education, and employment status that influence health access and outcomes.
    • Demographic Factors: Age, gender, and population density data that inform healthcare service needs.
    • Non-Medical Determinants of Health: Environmental factors, housing, nutrition, and lifestyle.
    • Health Expenditure: Public and private spending on healthcare services, with a focus on efficiency and equity.
    • SDG Indicators: Tracking progress towards achieving broader public health and sustainable development goals.
    • Vulnerability Factors: Identifying at-risk groups and communities based on health, socioeconomic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
    • ICT Indices: Measuring digital health capabilities and access, including telemedicine and electronic health records, for improving care delivery.
• Cross-Cutting Themes: The study also incorporates essential themes such as:
  • • Communication: The role of clear, accurate health messaging to engage and empower communities.
    • Intersectoral Collaboration: Cooperation between health, education, local government, and private sector to improve outcomes.
    • Information Flow: Streamlining the sharing of health data to enhance decision-making, policy development, and service delivery.

This holistic assessment and subsequent intervention design will provide valuable insights into how tailored Population Health Management strategies can reduce health disparities, improve health literacy, and create a culture of prevention, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes.