A 10-member National Media delegation, led by Dr. Manisha Verma, Additional Director General (Media) at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, visited the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune today. This visit is part of a three-day tour across Maharashtra, which will also include a stop at ICMR-CRMCH in Chandrapur later this week.
NIV Showcases Key Contributions in Virus Surveillance
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of NIV, welcomed the media team and provided a detailed briefing on the Institute’s pioneering work in virology. He highlighted how NIV has played a critical role in identifying and studying emerging viral threats, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute’s early isolation of various SARS-CoV-2 variants, he explained, enabled India to implement timely public health responses nationwide.
COVID-19 Situation Under Control, Says NIV Director
Addressing the delegation, Dr. Kumar reassured that the recent increase in COVID-19 cases is not a cause for alarm. He noted that the majority of new infections have been mild, requiring little to no medical intervention. According to him, India’s existing immunity and surveillance systems are effectively mitigating the impact of the virus.
Swift Response to GBS Outbreak Praised
As reported by pib.gov.in, Dr. Kumar also discussed NIV’s swift containment of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak earlier this year. He credited the Institute’s rapid diagnostics and strategic interventions with curbing the spread of the rare neurological disorder. This incident, he said, exemplifies the Institute’s readiness to tackle unexpected health challenges.
Indigenous Vaccines for Emerging Viruses on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Dr. Kumar announced that India is nearing the rollout of indigenous vaccines targeting several emerging viruses. These include vaccines for Mpox, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), H5N1 avian influenza, and Japanese Encephalitis Virus-like particles (VLP). These developments mark a significant stride in strengthening the nation’s biosecurity.
India’s First HPC for Virology: “NAKSHATRA” Launched
One of the key achievements shared during the visit was the recent commissioning of “NAKSHATRA,” India’s first High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster dedicated to virological research. Inaugurated by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, the system will dramatically enhance the country’s capacity in genomics and virus bioinformatics.
NIV: A Legacy of Leadership in Virus Research
Established in 1952 in collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation, NIV Pune has evolved into India’s premier virus research and diagnostic hub. Since coming under ICMR’s umbrella in 1978, the Institute has played a central role in the country’s public health response. With ongoing innovations and rapid-response capabilities, NIV remains at the forefront of India’s virological preparedness and research excellence.