MANT and Centre for Public Health Research

Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR)

History, structure and governance
Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT) is a non-profit, non-racial, non-political,
non-religious organisation that, since 1960, has been working in the development, research,
and advancement of community action for the preservation of local ecology, health and
culture. We primarily work in the Eastern and Northeastern parts of India and have a team of
116 trained workers and 12 volunteers. Every year, we have been touching the lives of more
than 1.5 million people, mostly tribal people, through our different activities.
For details, you can check the www.mant.org.in
Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), the research wing of MANT, was established in
November 2022, focusing on research and evidence. However, MANT has been implementing
research programmes since 2017.

Mission
To conduct research, evaluation, and systematic reviews related to public health. The centre
aims to bring both quantitative and qualitative evidence to promote and protect the health
and well-being of the people living in LMICs and prevent diseases and morbidities. And this
will be done by generating and disseminating new knowledge and information related to both
infectious and non-communicable diseases, indigenous health, one health, environmental
health, socio-economic determinants of health and health surveillance. Policy-focused
research will also be a part of the centre’s activity.

Vision

• To promote and protect the health and well-being of vulnerable communities through
  research and development activities.
• In doing so, diversity in ethnicity, religion, caste and creed, cultural context, and
  opinions of the communities will be given the utmost respect.
• We focus on promoting the voices, choices, and identity of the people in general and
  indigenous people in particular.
  Values
• Policy-focused research across all activities.
• Collaboration with Institutions and Communities
• Combination of Methods, Ideas and Disciplines
• Co-production
• Conceptual Freedom
• Community Empowerment by bringing change
  
  How CPHR works
  CPHR is an independent research and analysis centre operating within MANT. It conducts
  research and analysis projects covering various significant aspects of public health and climate
  change. CPHR initiates research and analysis projects internally, secures research grants from
  Indian and international agencies, and collaborates with other organizations, including
  national and international universities. Our research is conducted at the local, national,
  regional, and global levels. We incorporate the latest findings from international studies into
  the design and execution of our research and analysis projects while also valuing the insights
  and expertise of communities, practitioners, and decision-makers.
  
  Areas encompassed in Social Intervention Assessment
  CPHR conducts research in all areas of Social Intervention Assessment, including, for example,
  the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of psychological or social conditions and the
  promotion of health or wellbeing. Our Social Intervention Assessment also encompasses a
  wide range of areas aimed at evaluating and improving social programs or interventions.
  These assessments focus on understanding the impact, effectiveness, and efficiency of social
  interventions either being implemented by MANT or any other organizations/institutions.
  CPHR produces primary studies of interventions as well as systematic reviews and other
  evidence synthesis products.
  
  Dissemination
  The goal of CPHR’s research and analysis is to enhance the body of knowledge concerning
  indigenous peoples and populations residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  Additionally, we aim to support the social sector in effectively utilizing resources and adhering
  to established standards. Given that CPHR’s mission is centred around providing relevant
  information that addresses contemporary issues, we prioritize practical applicability
  throughout every phase of our projects, from initial concept development to the presentation
  of findings.
  We consistently consider how knowledge derived from our research can be put into practice
  in the real world, and how it can challenge conventional wisdom. CPHR produces research
  that not only helps anticipate future challenges to the welfare state but also provides
  immediately applicable insights for current issues. To ensure the practicality and relevance of
  our research, we maintain ongoing communication with our stakeholders and the general
  public.
  Based on our research and analysis, we strive to offer recommendations and inspire action.
  We also select formats and distribution methods that are tailored to the specific needs of our
  target audiences. Our research results and the underlying methodologies are readily
  accessible, and all of our analyses and individual research reports are published and made
  available to the public. We also have a system of sharing the research findings through our
  quarterly newsletters and by organizing regular dissemination workshops followed by media
  briefings. We published infographics, videos, and reels to disseminate results through social
  media handles.
  
  Future plans
  CPHR’s vision is that;
• Our production and dissemination of knowledge is always up-to-date and relevant in
  order to benefit indigenous people and other populations living on the margins in
  India;
• We are the preferred supplier of knowledge to support decision-making processes
  among public service decision-makers, private interest groups and the general public;
• We are India’s strongest environment for applied research and analysis in the area of
  public health and climate change and a natural choice as a partner among domestic
  and overseas organisations.
  
  Agency information
  Country: India
  Population served (mil): 1.5 Million
  Description of population served: National.
  Current total MANT budget (mil Euro): 0.88 million Euro
  Permanent staff: 116
  Consultants: 5
  Ongoing CPHR projects: https://cphr-mant.org

Contact Information
Director: Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee
Contact person: Dr Paramita Bhattacharya
Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR)
MANT
The Chambers
Space no. 006 & 007, Ground Floor
1865 Rajdanga Main Road
Kolkata- 700 107
West Bengal, India
Tel: +91 842 001 1313
Internet: www.cphr-mant.org
Mail to: nirmalya@cphr-mant.org/ paramita@cphr-mant.org/