Shreelata Rao Seshadri

Biography

Shreelata has previously worked with the Center for Global Health Research, University of Toronto and other international agencies for almost two decades. In her last position as the Resident Director of the Center for Global Health Research here in Bangalore she led the team working on a national study on the use of evidence in health sector decision making; providing policy guidance on the most cost-effective strategies to reduce avertable death and disability; and conducting focused studies on transparency and governance issues in the health sector. As member of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission (since 2009), she has contributed to the development and writing of the Karnataka Health Status Report (November 2010) and will continue to be involved in the development of strategies to implement these recommendations. As an associate of the Swasthya Karnataka Consortium - a coalition of academic institutions and NGOs engaged in the health sector - she has been part of the team that has designed and scaled-up a training program for strengthening capacity at the district level for the implementation and monitoring of the National Rural Health Mission. Shreelata has worked extensively with the World Bank and other international organizations on the development, supervision and evaluation of large scale health projects, including in Karnataka, Orissa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu (among others). Her contribution in training and capacity building has been through design and development of Training Manuals, Training Resource Materials and Modules for senior program managers in organizations such as Population Foundation of India. She has also worked with many NGOs to support the implementation of interventions under National Aids Control Program and in Management of Primary Health Centers. Academic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bangalore University Master's in Child Psychology from the University of the Philippines Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University, USA in Community Systems Planning and Development within the College of Health and Human Services. Areas of Interest Social determinants of health Gender and health Public health administration/health systems development and reform Governance and accountability in health Decentralization and its impacts on health outcomes Child nutrition, health and education Teaching areas Health and Development Public Health: Policies, Planning and Programs Measuring Development - Analyzing Health Indicators

Research Interest

Do we know what they eat, and why? A Study on School-level Dietary Adequacy and Impact of Cultural Beliefs in Remote Rural Areas in Southern India Decentralisation and Decision Space: a study of perceived autonomy in decision making at the district level