KIIT, KISS & Jhpiego Launch ‘THRIVE’ To Enhance Tribal Health & Youth Empowerment

Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins affiliate, on Thursday expanded their partnership with a new initiative called Tribal Health Research Innovation & Vocational Empowerment (THRIVE).

A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between KIIT, KISS and Jhpiego in the presence of KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.

KIIT and KISS Vice-Chancellors Prof. Saranjit Singh and Prof. Deepak Behera, respectively, and Country Director of Jhpiego India Dr Somesh Kumar signed the MoU.

The new partnership will create two ground-breaking centres — Centre for Tribal Health and Research (CTHR) and Centre for Youth Innovation and Inclusiveness (CYII).

These centres will serve as hubs for indigenous-led research, cultural preservation and youth empowerment, aiming to address critical health and social challenges within Indigenous communities.

“We are taking this collaboration to the next level. The aim is to meet immediate health needs while pursuing excellence in creating a hub for indigenous-led research, forging academic partnerships, and strengthening local capacity, ensuring that this collaboration continues to grow in scope and impact. This partnership will serve as a global example of what can be achieved through collaboration” said Jhpiego president and CEO Dr Leslie Mancuso in a video message.

Jhpiego’s commitment to locally-led development, the partnership with KISS and KIIT focuses on creating sustainable and culturally resonant solutions that address the unique needs of tribal communities.

“Youths can bring their issues, ideas and preferences to at these institute to shape their future and drive future solution goals particularly in health and education. Through this partnership, we are creating a model of change,” said Debora Bossemeyer, senior vice-president of Global Programs and Technical Leadership Office, Jhpiego.

Dr Kumar said the launch of two Centres of Excellence in tribal health research and youth innovation will unite indigenous wisdom with scientific innovation to foster youth knowledge and leadership.