3rd World Congress on
Environmental Science & Climate Change

Dr. Megha Thakur

Public Health Foundation of India

Abstract Title:

Exploring Climate Resilience in the Health Facilities of Vulnerable Himalayan Region

Biography:

Dr. Megha Thakur
Senior Research Associate
Centre for Environmental Health (CEH), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)

Dr. Megha Thakur is a dedicated public health professional and researcher with a diverse academic and professional background. She holds a Doctorate in Public Health from the Care and Public Health Research Institute at Maastricht University, Netherlands. Her doctoral research, supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), focused on a randomized controlled trial titled "Low-Smoke Chulha and Health Consequences in Indian Slums." This study evaluated the impact of low-smoke cooking stoves on reducing air pollution exposure and improving respiratory health among women and children in Indian urban slums.

Dr. Thakur's academic journey began with a degree in Dentistry, followed by a Master’s in Public Health. She has expanded her expertise through the prestigious Young Expert Programmes (YEP), an initiative led by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands Water Partnership, and Netherlands Enterprise Agency. She also worked as an SDG Impact Analyst for FairClimateFund, a Dutch social enterprise specializing in carbon financing.

Currently, at PHFI, Dr. Thakur leads research and capacity-building projects at the intersection of climate change and public health. Her work aims to address critical challenges in environmental health and sustainable development, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Dr. Thakur’s contributions to public health research and her interdisciplinary approach highlight her commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable future.

Research Interests:

Dr. Megha Thakur's research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, public health, and environmental health. She is particularly focused on:

• Air pollution exposure and its health impacts on vulnerable populations, especially women and children in resource-limited settings.
• Development and evaluation of sustainable cooking technologies like low-smoke chulhas to improve respiratory health and reduce indoor air pollution.
• Exploring the health consequences of climate change and identifying adaptive strategies for mitigating its effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) into public health frameworks, with a focus on carbon financing and climate-smart interventions.
• Building capacity in public health systems to address climate-resilient health challenges through education, policy, and innovative research.

Dr. Megha Thakur's multidisciplinary approach bridges scientific research, policy development, and community-level solutions, aiming to promote equity, sustainability, and improved global health outcomes.