The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) has tied up with 26 research institutions across the country to undertake operational, epidemiological and bio-medical research in the field of HIV/AIDS. NACO had earlier constituted a consortium Network of Indian Institutions/Organizations for HIV/AIDS Research (NIIHAR) for the purpose.

Sources in the NACO said that it has already roped in 26 research institutions under the network and more will be added as the NACO is screening the other institutions in the panel of institutions which have shown interest in joining the network. This consortium will pool resources and expertise to conduct high quality, collaborative, multi-centric research that will help evidence based decision making on policy, management and evaluation of interventions. This consortium will have linkages with universities, ICMR, CSIR, DST, ICSSR and others stakeholders including donor organizations.

Senior officials in the NACO said that since India is a large multi-ethnic country with varying demographic and social framework, any exploratory research conducted in a limited setting does not reflect country scenario. Similarly any intervention found effective in one setting may not work in another setting. It is thus important to develop protocol on relevant research areas and conduct a multi-centric study to draw valid conclusions for policy formulation and programme management and national and regional level.

Secondly, there are good institutions and organisations that have potential to undertake quality research but their capacity is utilized locally in the absence of any backing at the national level. It is thus important to constitute a consortium of institutions and organizations having capacity to undertake research in health sector, specifically in the field of HIV/AIDS. It was in this context the NIIHAR was constituted, the officials said.

The criteria used to enrol the institutions as the member of the consortium included that the institutions must have at least five years standing, should have capacity and experience in conducting operational research in health sector, preferably in the field of HIV/AIDS, good track record on research including publications, presentations and conferences, infrastructure facilities and human resources available on full time/consultancy basis and sound financial management.

Basic responsibilities of the institutions under the network are participation in various studies including multi-centric funded by NACO, participation in training and capacity building programs of individuals and institutions, organizing annual conference on HIV/AIDS research and deputation of experts to NACO as short-term consultants based on specific requirements.