A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the University of Melbourne, Australia and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), to continue the long-standing collaboration and partnership between the two organisations.

A delegation from the University led by the Provost Professor Nicola Phillips travelled to India to sign the new MoU in Delhi, India.

The new agreement demonstrates a commitment to the important relationship between the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University and the Nossal Institute, and the Public Health Foundation of India.

The first MoU was signed in 2009, with a further Student Exchange Agreement developed and signed in 2017, and both were renewed on the day. 

Key achievements from the partnership, include the creation of the VirtuCare (Virtual Healthcare Network) project, supported by the University of Melbourne, Australia India Institute, the Emmanuel Hospital Association, University of Adelaide and other organisations to develop inclusive models for delivering virtual healthcare

The partnership is also focused on the deployment of the Rapid Assessment of Disability tool developed by the Nossal Institute and adapted for partners in India and subsequent research on the impact of Organisations of People with Disability

Joint delivery of the Excellence in Non Communicable disease Research (ENCORE) programme which held a number of student and joint faculty training activities in India and Australia is also a point of focus of this partnership.

Image caption- University of Melbourne Provost Professor Nicola Phillips, and President of the Public Health Foundation of India Professor Sanjay Zodpey