Ri-Bhoi,June 26: In a significant achievement for the scientific community of
Northeast India, Dr. Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied
Biology at USTM and Senior Collaborator of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study at the
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Washington University, USA, has contributed to
a landmark international research publication in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, one of the world's
most prestigious medical journals with an impact factor of 31.0.
The study, titled “Global Burden of Enteric Infectious Diseases, Diarrhoeal Diseases, and
Corresponding Aetiologies, 1990–2023: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease
Study 2023,” presents the most comprehensive assessment to date of the global burden of diarrhoeal
and enteric infectious diseases over the last three decades. The research analyses disease prevalence,
mortality, disability, and the major pathogens responsible for these illnesses across countries and
regions worldwide.
The findings reveal that despite substantial improvements in sanitation, healthcare access, and disease
prevention measures, diarrhoeal and enteric infections continue to remain major public health
challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study provides critical evidence for
policymakers, healthcare professionals, and global health organisations to design targeted
interventions and strategies aimed at reducing disease burden and improving health outcomes.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Mohanta said, “Being part of such a globally significant study is
both an honour and a responsibility. The Global Burden of Disease initiative generates evidence that
is vital for informed decision-making in public health. The findings of this study will contribute to a
better understanding of disease patterns and help governments and health agencies allocate resources
more effectively for disease prevention and control.”
Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, congratulated Dr Mohanta and said, “This
achievement is a matter of immense pride for USTM and the entire Northeast region. Dr Mohanta’s
contribution to a globally acclaimed study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlights the
quality of research being undertaken at the university.
The Global Burden of Disease Study, coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
(IHME), is regarded as the world’s most comprehensive effort to measure epidemiological trends,
disease burden, and health outcomes across countries. Its findings serve as an essential resource for
governments, researchers, and international organisations in shaping evidence-based health policies
and interventions worldwide.
