International Institute of Information Technology (I2IT), the premier information technology institute in Pune, has signed an MOU with The College of Public Health of the University of South Florida, USA (USF- COPH) to encourage research, joint educational programs and exchange of facilities for students and staff between COPH-USF and I2IT. This MOU will also explore the possibility of starting a Master of Public Health Programme of USF-COPH in India at I2IT as per the directions and quality standards of USF-COPH.

USF-COPH has identified Public Health Education & Research as one of the specific study areas to be focused upon by Indian students. The first of such initiatives is to fight against AIDS. I2IT in collaboration with USF-COPH is in the process of launching a special distance-learning module, which will link research centers at USF with far flung villages of Maharashtra and rest of the country through the technology delivery platform of I2IT.

Speaking at the summit organised to demonstrate the powerful potential of the concept, Prof. Krishnamoorthy, Dean, I2IT said, "AIDS is a major public Health problem in Maharashtra having high prevalence of the HIV epidemic and hence education is a major intervention, which is needed. Educating masses to change their behavior and optimize their knowledge about HIV is needed.'' He further added that the need of the hour is to help train doctors on treating HIV patients, who in turn can train further support staff. There exists a need to establish a network, which is economical and beneficial to all. Electronic distance learning is a concept which satisfies all these factors, said, Prof.Krishnamoorthy.