In a remarkable achievement for the academic and research community of Northeast India, Dr Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Assistant Professor at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has contributed to a major international research study published in the prestigious journal, The Lancet Neurology. The study, titled “Global, regional, and national burden of meningitis, its risk factors and aetiologias, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023,” presents one of the most comprehensive assessments of meningitis trends worldwide over the last three decades. The research analyses the global, regional, and national burden of meningitis from 1990 to 2023, examining its risk factors, mortality trends, and various disease-causing aetiologias.
Dr Mohanta’s contribution forms part of a large-scale collaborative effort involving leading scientists, researchers and institutions from across the globe under the framework of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study. The findings of the study highlight significant progress made in reducing meningitis-related mortality in several regions while also drawing attention to continuing challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries where meningitis remains a major public health concern. Speaking on the significance of the study, Dr Mohanta stated, “Meningitis continues to be a serious health challenge, especially among vulnerable populations. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved vaccination coverage, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and stronger healthcare systems to effectively reduce the disease burden.”
The research further underscores the critical role of socioeconomic conditions, healthcare accessibility, and public health interventions in influencing disease outcomes. The findings are expected to support policymakers, healthcare professionals, and global health organizations in formulating targeted strategies for controlling and eventually eliminating meningitis as a public health threat. Adding another feather to his cap, Dr. Mohanta is currently serving as a GBD Senior Collaborator at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Washington University. He has also been recognized among the World’s Top 2 percent Scientists by Stanford University, as published by Elsevier, for his continuous contribution to scientific research.
The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya has congratulated Dr. Mohanta on this prestigious accomplishment, stating that his involvement in such a high-impact international study reflects USTM’s growing footprint in global research and academic excellence. The publication is expected to become a significant reference in the field of global health policy and epidemiological research, contributing to accelerated international efforts towards the prevention and control of meningitis worldwide.