Meet Ajeet Kumar Singh, Program Manager at John Snow India

Ajeet, you won our competition to present a poster of your study on the impact of Rotavirus vaccine on malnutrition at the World Vaccine Congress. What can you tell us about your study?

This is quite unique research exploring the relationship between rotavirus vaccine and indicators for  malnutrition. The driving force behind it comes back to a study I carried out on the impact of RVV, which was introduced into India’s Universal Immunization Program in 2016, to reduce childhood diarrheal disease. During this research I found out that there is a vicious cycle that connects rotavirus-induced diarrhea to malnutrition, as it slows down gut functions and the nutrition capacity of the child weakens. The link between this vaccine and malnutrition outcomes was missing, so I decided to bridge this gap. My research found that children that get all three doses of rotavirus vaccine are much less likely to get trapped in this malnutrition cycle, and that the full coverage is essential to protect children. I used National Family Health survey data which is essentially the Indian version of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), and it has great granular data to work with.

What is next for this study?

The first thing I need to do is submit the study to a journal for publication. In fact, I received a call from a journal after they saw my poster at World Vaccine Congress which was very encouraging. I have presented the work to academics in the nutrition space in India, and the next step is to disseminate this work to nutrition and immunization government stakeholders. Nutrition and immunization programs are managed by two different departments, the former sits in Ministry of Women and Child Development and the latter sits in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As we speak, these different ministries are coming toge

ther to discuss increasing vaccine confidence – as it is a multi-sectoral issue.

What were your highlights from attending the World Vaccine Congress?

 I have many highlights from World Vaccine Congress! Firstly, was the opportunity to interact with people in the vaccine manufacturing space. Secondly, was presenting my work to a wider audience than usual – e.g. donors, manufacturers, thinktanks, who all bring with them interesting perspectives. Thirdly, was getting a lot of research inspiration and learning more about the big innovations in the vaccine delivery space, for instance microarray patches which I trust will be a game changer. Once again thank you to Immunization Economics, it was not possible for me to attend without you!

How can early career researchers get the most out of attending a conference?

Ultimately, your research needs to speak for itself. They should try and carry out research on the burning topics and gaps, to attract a wider audience at a conference.

Can you elaborate on other immunization projects you are currently working on?

I’m kicking off some work on measles zero-dose children in Asia, those who have not received any measles containing vaccines and how it inhibits measles elimination. I plan to use available household-level data to examine the demographics of these measles zero-dose children in different countries. The reproduction rate of measles is one of the highest of the vaccine-preventable diseases, and vaccination coverage of two-doses should be at 95% or higher to prevent outbreaks and achieve herd immunity. So, this research is very timely.

I am also planning research on the impact of India’s vaccination program over the past fifty years on GDP e.g. the wider economic gains of reduced vaccine-preventable diseases and under-five mortality. I feel it is now critical to make the case for immunization investment.

Finally, where is your favorite place to travel?

I have not been there yet, but I am really itching to travel to the Nordic countries!