Public Health Pediatrician | Global Health Program Director
New Delhi, IN.
About
A highly accomplished Public Health Pediatrician with 45 years of transformative clinical and global health experience, Dr. Kumar has led large-scale maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) programs for UN agencies and international partners like USAID. Renowned for designing and implementing sustainable, countrywide health innovations, he excels in strategic partnerships, policy advisory, capacity building, and driving improved health outcomes across diverse national and international settings.
Directed USAID-supported Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) projects, leading a multidisciplinary team to design and implement innovative health models across multiple states.
Highlights
Led the management of MNCH projects (Vriddhi across 7 States and SAMVEG across 5 States), overseeing a team of 60+ professionals to design and implement demonstration models.
Developed and strengthened strategic partnerships with the Government for newborn and childcare initiatives, enhancing program reach and impact.
Provided top-quality policy advisory services to government entities, facilitating critical knowledge building and management for national health strategies.
Formulated and designed annual work plans based on local context analysis, translating project goals into effective local interventions.
Ensured high-quality donor relations and coordinated project implementation with relevant state and national health departments, optimizing resource utilization and outcomes.
Promoted robust knowledge management practices to ensure access to best available expertise and foster continuous organizational learning.
IPE Global, UNDP, UNOPS
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Project Director
New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Summary
Managed the NIPI project across 5 states, supervising project teams and fostering strategic partnerships to provide policy advisory and knowledge management services.
Highlights
Spearheaded the formulation, design, and implementation of newborn and child health projects, driving significant improvements in health outcomes.
Successfully scaled up several innovation models countrywide, including FPC, HBNC, IMNCI, HBYC, F-IMNCI, FBNC (NSSK, NBSU, SNCU), achieving broad adoption and impact.
Identified critical research needs and priorities, coordinating the formulation and implementation of demonstration models and research studies approved by the Joint Steering Committee.
Ensured seamless coordination of project implementation with relevant state and national health departments, enhancing program efficiency and reach.
Cultivated and maintained high-quality donor relations in the areas of newborns and children, securing essential funding and support.
Championed knowledge management initiatives to ensure access to expert resources and facilitate continuous organizational learning and development.
World Health Organization (WHO)
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Medical Officer, Child and Adolescent Health
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
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Summary
Provided technical leadership and advisory support to the Ministry of Health, guiding the development and implementation of comprehensive Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health policies and strategies.
Highlights
Advised and supported the development and formulation of child and adolescent health policies and strategies, strengthening national plans and priorities.
Facilitated the integration of child and adolescent health programs (IMCI, IYCF, Newborn and Injury Care, Youth Friendly Health Service) into comprehensive district/upazila health plans.
Strengthened national staff's technical and managerial capabilities through targeted advice and support.
Advised and supported the adaptation of WHO tools and guidelines for implementing integrated management of childhood illness, newborn care, and adolescent health.
Led operational research to improve the effectiveness of child and adolescent health programs, utilizing findings for evidence-based decision-making.
Monitored and evaluated program effectiveness, synthesizing data to inform program planning and improvement strategies for child and adolescent health.
United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)
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Health and Nutrition Project Officer, NO-C
New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Summary
Directed health and nutrition projects, analyzing policies and recommending child health system improvements, and coordinating activities to strengthen newborn and child health programs across India.
Highlights
Analyzed and recommended policies and child health systems, contributing to the strengthening of national and sub-national newborn and child health programs in India.
Provided technical inputs for capacity building in child health at national and state levels, designing methodologies and materials for health workers.
Fostered strategic partnerships with government, UN agencies, professional bodies, and NGOs for child health activities, introducing new project management approaches.
Developed and implemented national strategies for evidence-based programming in child survival, facilitating sub-national coordination within health sector reform.
Represented UNICEF at key meetings and liaised with the Government of India and partners for Newborn and Child Health programs, ensuring collaborative efforts.
Participated in developing and monitoring annual work plans, budgets, and performance reviews, creating programmatic indicators for data-driven decision-making in high-risk districts.
World Health Organization (WHO)
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NPO (Child Health & Development)
New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Summary
Provided technical assistance for child health activities, collaborating with the national program manager to achieve MDGs and national health-related goals.
Highlights
Provided technical assistance for child health activities, collaborating with the national program manager to achieve MDGs and national health-related goals.
Spearheaded the planning, implementation, and evaluation of national Newborn and Child Health Strategies, ensuring a continuum of care at all levels.
Developed comprehensive training and health education materials related to IMNCI and other newborn and child health interventions.
Facilitated training for health workers at all levels, monitoring quality and providing supervision and evaluation for IMNCI activities.
Planned and implemented IMNCI follow-up after training and supervisory visits, ensuring sustained program effectiveness.
Coordinated the implementation of the Rights of the Child and fostered partnerships with development organizations to advance health-related rights.
Kalawati Saran Children Hospital and DDU Hospital, Government of India
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Specialist in Pediatrics
New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Summary
Led the Pediatric unit, including intensive care, emergency, and indoor wards, managing complex cases and implementing modern protocols at Kalawati Saran Children Hospital for 10 years.
Highlights
Managed pediatric units, including intensive care, emergency, and indoor wards, utilizing modern gadgets and management protocols for all pediatric emergencies from 1984-1994.
Provided technical assistance to medical officers and taught undergraduate MBBS and MD students from 1984-1994, and guided DNB students from 1994-2004.
Contributed significantly to national health programs such as CDD, ARI, Pulse Polio, CSSM, RCH, and IMCI, providing critical clinical and technical support.
Conducted extensive clinical research, resulting in over 25 published papers and chapters in national and international books, advancing pediatric knowledge and practice.
Education
University College Of Medical Sciences New Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi, India
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M.D.Pediatrics
University College Of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi, India
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MBBSMedicine
Awards
Orations on Child Survival
IAP annual conference and Pre-service IMCI Asian conference
Delivered key orations on child survival at prominent national and international pediatric conferences, highlighting expertise in diarrhea and nutrition.
Dr. Satya Gupta award for paper presentation in Social Pediatrics
Social Pediatrics Conference
Received for outstanding paper presentation in the field of Social Pediatrics, recognizing contributions to the discipline.
Publications
Management of newborn respiratory distress using CPAP: Capacity and readiness of public health facilities in high-focus aspirational districts of India.
Int J MCH AIDS.
Assessed the capacity and readiness of public health facilities in high-focus aspirational districts of India for managing newborn respiratory distress using CPAP.
Introduction of Heat-Stable Carbetocin through a Public-Private Partnership Model in India: A Retrospective Study to Determine Feasibility and Its Optimal Use in Public Health Settings.
Int J MCH AIDS.
Conducted a retrospective study on the feasibility and optimal use of heat-stable Carbetocin via a public-private partnership in Indian public health settings. PMID: 39629308; PMCID: PMC11583813.
E-IMNCI: a novel clinical diagnostic support system approach to strengthening effectiveness and quality of IMNCI implementation in India.
BMJ Open Qual.
Introduced E-IMNCI, a novel clinical diagnostic support system to enhance the effectiveness and quality of IMNCI implementation in India. PMID: 37863509; PMCID: PMC10603548.
A Novel Approach to Promote Evidence-Based Development of District Maternal and Newborn Health Plans in Two States in India.
Indian J Community Med.
Proposed a novel approach to promote evidence-based development of district-level maternal and newborn health plans in two Indian states. PMID: 35368465; PMCID: PMC8971858.
Safe Delivery application with facilitation increases knowledge and confidence of obstetric and neonatal care among frontline health workers in India.
J Family Med Prim Care.
Demonstrated how a Safe Delivery application increased knowledge and confidence in obstetric and neonatal care among frontline health workers in India. PMID: 36119198; PMCID: PMC9480723.
Strengthening Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring during Labor with a Standard Handheld Doppler - Implementation Experience from India.
Indian J Community Med.
Documented implementation experience of strengthening fetal heart rate monitoring during labor using a handheld Doppler in India. PMID: 36438535; PMCID: PMC9693937.
Integrated approach for survival and development during first 1000 day of life: Assessing Health Systems Readiness in three Aspirational Districts of Jharkhand (India).
Indian Journal of Community and Family Medicine
Assessed health systems readiness for an integrated approach to survival and development during the first 1000 days of life in three aspirational districts of Jharkhand, India.
Systems E-approach for women at risk (SEWA)-A digital health solution for detection of high-risk pregnancies.
J Family Med Prim Care.
Introduced SEWA, a digital health solution for detecting high-risk pregnancies, enhancing maternal care through innovative technology. PMID: 34934670; PMCID: PMC8653496.
Putting the local back into planning-experiences and perceptions of state and district health functionaries of seven aspirational districts in India on an innovative planning capacity building approach.
Int J Health Plann Manage.
Explored experiences and perceptions of health functionaries on an innovative planning capacity building approach in seven aspirational districts of India. PMID: 34350636.
Addressing Quality of Care in Pediatric Units using a Digital Tool: Implementation Experience from 18 SNCU of India.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
Documented implementation experience using a digital tool to address quality of care in 18 Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) in India. PMID: 34803419; PMCID: PMC8600550.
Intrapartum Fetal Heart Monitoring Practices in Selected Facilities in Aspirational Districts of Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttarakhand.
J Obstet Gynaecol India.
Investigated intrapartum fetal heart monitoring practices in aspirational districts across three Indian states, informing improvements in obstetric care. PMID: 34149216; PMCID: PMC8166967.
Experiences with use of a pulse oximeter multimodal device in outpatient management of children with Acute Respiratory Infection during Covid pandemic.
J Family Med Prim Care.
Detailed experiences with a pulse oximeter multimodal device for managing Acute Respiratory Infection in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. PMID: 34041052; PMCID: PMC8138404.
Situational Analysis of Management of Childhood Diarrhea and Pneumonia in 13 District Hospitals in India.
Indian Pediatr.
Conducted a situational analysis of childhood diarrhea and pneumonia management in 13 district hospitals in India. PMID: 33408280; PMCID: PMC8079854.
Catalytic Support for Improving Clinical Care in Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) Through Composite SNCU Quality of Care Index (SQCI).
Indian Pediatr.
Provided catalytic support to improve clinical care in SNCUs using a Composite SNCU Quality of Care Index. PMID: 33883309.
Tracking Weight-for-Age of Infants Using Home Based Newborn Care Plus by ASHA Workers.
Indian Pediatr.
Researched tracking infant weight-for-age using home-based newborn care by ASHA workers, enhancing community health monitoring. PMID: 33452768.
An Assessment of Implementation of Family Participatory Care in Special Newborn Care Units in Three States of India.
Indian Pediatr.
Assessed the implementation of Family Participatory Care in SNCUs across three Indian states, evaluating family involvement in neonatal care. PMID: 33408278.
Special Newborn Care Plus Project in India: Preliminary Findings from Community-Based Follow-up of Newborns Discharged from Facilities.
Indian Pediatr.
Presented preliminary findings from a community-based follow-up of newborns discharged from facilities as part of the Special Newborn Care Plus Project. PMID: 33408279.
Measuring accuracy of plethysmography based respiratory rate measurement using pulse oximeter at a tertiary hospital in India.
Pneumonia (Nathan).
Measured the accuracy of plethysmography-based respiratory rate measurement using pulse oximetry at a tertiary hospital in India. PMID: 32518740; PMCID: PMC7273681.
Experience with the use of handheld Doppler for fetal heart rate monitoring during coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.
East J Med Sci.
Shared experiences with using a handheld Doppler for fetal heart rate monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to new healthcare challenges.
Mother-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - A New Model of Family Participatory Care?
Indian Pediatr.
Explored a new model of family participatory care in Mother-Neonatal Intensive Care Units, advocating for family involvement. PMID: 31064914.
Diagnostic tool for neuromotor impairment for primary care physician.
Indian Pediatr.
Developed a diagnostic tool for neuromotor impairment for primary care physicians, aiding early detection. PMID: 25128990.
An assessment of the quality of care for children in eighteen randomly selected district and sub-district hospitals in Bangladesh.
BMC Pediatr.
Assessed quality of care for children in 18 hospitals in Bangladesh, providing data for healthcare improvements. PMID: 23268650; PMCID: PMC3561238.
Experiences with implementation of a District-based comprehensive newborn care package.
Journal of Neonatology.
Shared experiences from implementing a district-based comprehensive newborn care package, contributing to neonatal health strategies. PMID: 22011020.
IMNCI
IAP book on Pediatrics
Contributed a chapter on IMNCI to the IAP book on Pediatrics (2006 and 2009 versions), providing expert guidance on integrated child care.
MODULE ON CHILD HEALTH
NIHFW
Wrote a chapter for the RCH Training 2003 Programme modules prepared by NIHFW, enhancing reproductive and child health education.
OXYGEN THERAPY IN CHILDREN
PCNI PUBLISHED BOOK
Authored a chapter on oxygen therapy for children in a PCNI published book, enhancing pediatric respiratory care knowledge.
OXYGEN THERAPY IN NEWBORNS
NNF PUBLISHED BOOK
Authored a chapter on oxygen therapy for newborns in an NNF published book, contributing to neonatal care guidelines.
MODULE ON CHILD HEALTH
DMCH
Authored and edited sections related to Child Health for DMCH students-96 modules, supporting medical education.
How do mothers recognize and treat pneumonia at home?
Indian Pediatr.
Researched how mothers recognize and treat pneumonia at home, providing insights for community health interventions. PMID: 7883313.
Oxygen therapy in pediatric practice.
Indian Pediatr.
Contributed to guidelines on oxygen therapy in pediatric practice, enhancing care for respiratory conditions. PMID: 8406700.
Ceftriaxone: use in multidrug resistant typhoid fever.
Indian Pediatr.
Published on the use of Ceftriaxone in multidrug-resistant typhoid fever, guiding treatment protocols. PMID: 8406711.
Vitamin A and child survival.
Indian Pediatr.
Published research on the critical role of Vitamin A in child survival, supporting nutritional interventions. PMID: 8288354.
ARI control programme: results in hospitalized children.
J Trop Pediatr.
Presented results of an ARI control program in hospitalized children, evaluating its effectiveness. PMID: 8271336.
IMMUNISATION PRACTICES IN CHILDREN
Book Chapter
Authored additional chapters on Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, TYPHOID, and H INFLUENZA for a publication on immunization practices in children.
Diarrhea training and treatment unit: experience from a teaching hospital.
Indian J Pediatr.
Documented experience from a teaching hospital's diarrhea training and treatment unit, sharing best practices. PMID: 1818871.13.
Knowledge and perceptions of residents regarding case management of acute diarrhea.
Indian Pediatr.
Investigated residents' knowledge and perceptions of acute diarrhea case management, informing training needs. PMID: 1808076.
IMMUNISATION PRACTICES IN CHILDREN NEED FOR A CHANGE
IAP DELHI
Contributed a chapter on DPT & TYPHOID to a publication addressing the evolving needs and practices in childhood immunization.
Maternal participation in the care of the high risk infant: follow-up evaluation.
Indian Pediatr.
Evaluated maternal participation in the care of high-risk infants, highlighting its impact on neonatal outcomes. PMID: 2055631.
Road to health card: perceptions and skills of health personnel.
Indian Pediatr.
Analyzed health personnel's perceptions and skills regarding the 'Road to Health Card,' informing its effective use. PMID: 2081647.14.
Substance abuse: knowledge and perception in adolescents.
Indian Pediatr.
Published research on adolescent knowledge and perception of substance abuse, informing prevention programs. PMID: 2276778.
SELECTED TOPICS IN INFANT NUTRITION.
SWASTHYA GYAN PUBLICATION
Edited a book on selected topics in infant nutrition, contributing to comprehensive knowledge dissemination in pediatric health.
Spoon vs bottle: a controlled evaluation of milk feeding in young infants.
Indian Pediatr.
Conducted a controlled evaluation of milk feeding methods in young infants, providing evidence for optimal feeding practices. PMID: 2759689.
Schwartz Jampel syndrome.
Indian Pediatr.
Co-authored a paper on Schwartz Jampel syndrome in Indian Pediatrics, advancing knowledge of rare pediatric conditions. PMID: 3248859.
Published a study on the clinico-epidemiological profile of Tetanus neonatorum, informing public health interventions. PMID: 3248877.
Accidental poisoning.
Indian Pediatr.
Co-authored a paper on accidental poisoning in children, contributing to prevention strategies. PMID: 3265696.
Clinical Profile of Meningococcal Infections in Delhi.
Ind.Ped.
Published research on the clinical profile of meningococcal infections in Delhi, contributing to understanding local epidemiology.
HEALTH MANPOWER COMMITTEE OF INDIA
Book Chapter
Contributed a chapter on child health & manpower to the 'Health Manpower Committee of India' publication.
IMMUNISATION PRACTICES IN CHILDREN
Book Chapter
Authored chapters on Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Viral Hepatitis, and Cholera within a publication on immunization practices in children.
Skills
Leadership & Management
Team Leadership, Program Management, Project Direction, Strategic Planning, Organizational Learning, Time Management, Adaptability, Initiative, Innovation Thinking, Problem Solving.
Public Health & Pediatrics
Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH), Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Neonatal Care, Child Health Policy, Immunization Programs, Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), Diarrheal Disease Control (CDD), Pulse Polio Program, Emergency Pediatrics, Intensive Care, Clinical Research, Community Health.
Policy & Advisory
Policy Formulation, Policy Advisory, Health Strategy Development, Technical Assistance, Government Liaison, Donor Relations, UN Agency Partnerships.
Capacity Building & Training
Training Facilitation, Curriculum Development, Health Worker Training, Medical Education, Postgraduate Mentorship, Skill Development.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Program Monitoring, Impact Assessment, Operational Research, Data Analysis, Performance Review, Quality Improvement.
References
References
Available upon request
Projects
IMCI Adaptation & Planning Consultancy - Bhutan
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Summary
Worked as a WHO consultant for IMCI implementation and re-adaptation.
Alternate Approaches to IMCI Training - Ethiopia
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Summary
Participated as a facilitator for alternate approaches to IMCI training, including a shorter version and preservice.
IMCI Adaptation & Training - Switzerland
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Summary
Worked as part of the technical group in pilot testing Computer-based IMCI adaptation and training.
IMCI Training and Implementation - India
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Summary
Served as a member of the Adaptation subgroup, assisted in pilot testing training material, developed operational guidelines, and facilitated capacity building at country, state, and district levels.
IMCI Adaptation & Planning Consultancy - DPR Korea
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Summary
Worked as an Adaptation & Planning consultant (WHO) for IMCI adaptation, training, and implementation plan development.
Intercountry IMCI Training - Bangladesh
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Summary
Acted as Course Facilitator (WHO) for IMCI BHW and medical officers Training course, and IMCI Facilitators Training course.
Intercountry IMCI Training - Nepal
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Summary
Served as Course Co-Director and Facilitator (WHO) for Intercountry IMCI Training courses.
IMCI (CHW) Implementation Consultancy - Ghana
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Summary
Worked as an Adaptation & Planning consultant (CARE) for IMCI (CHW) implementation.
National ARI Program Trainer - India
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Summary
Worked as a national trainer for the ARI program, including piloting and monitoring training material for GOI.
CDD Program Training Facilitator - India
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Summary
Course facilitator for training key personnel on establishing DTUs in medical schools and for intercountry courses on case management of diarrhea.
IMCI Adaptation and Training Workshop - Denmark
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Summary
Attended an IMCI adaptation and training workshop in Copenhagen.
ARI Program in Mongolia (UNICEF Consultant)
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Summary
Worked as a short-term professional for UNICEF in Mongolia to reduce ARI-related morbidity and mortality.
Immunization Program Review & Coordination - India
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Summary
Participated in national immunization reviews and served as Zonal Coordinator for the Pulse Polio program.