Faculty

Dr Gadhavi’s research spans epidemiological surveillance, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, and implementation science. He has successfully led and collaborated on several research projects supported by organisations such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), UNICEF, and various state governments. His research portfolio includes 

• Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance and Coverage Evaluation: He has conducted epidemiological studies on measles incidence, vaccination coverage in urban slums, and operational assessments of immunisation campaigns (e.g., Mission Indradhanush). 
• Non-Communicable Diseases and Risk Factors: His early research highlighted the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among government employees and urban populations, contributing to policy awareness and screening programmes. 
• HIV/AIDS Surveillance and Prevention: As Principal Investigator and State Nodal Officer, Dr Gadhavi played a central role in multiple rounds of HIV Sentinel Surveillance (ANC and HRG), Integrated Behavioural and Biological Surveys, and studies evaluating mother-to-child transmission prevention strategies. His leadership in Gujarat significantly improved HIV testing coverage and service delivery outcomes. 
• COVID-19 Research and Policy Guidance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to scientific briefs, policy guidelines, and vaccination strategies at state and regional (WHO-SEARO and WHO-WPRO) levels. He also contributed internationally as a co-author on a manuscript related to COVID-19 surveillance in Puerto Rico. 
• Implementation and Monitoring of Public Health Programmes: He has developed tools and evaluationframeworks for HIV, tuberculosis, and immunisation programmes. His work with WHO included building surveillance systems in Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, and the Philippines, directly influencing public health preparedness and outbreak response.

• Martinez-Lozano, M., Gadhavi, R., Vega, C., Martinez, K. G., Acevedo, W., and Joshipura, K. (2022, August). Estimating COVID-19 cases in Puerto Rico using an automated surveillance system. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 947224. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.947224/full
• Nayak, H., Gadhavi, R., Solanki, B., et al. (2022, June 22). Screening for gestational diabetes, India. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/361308/PMC9306388.pdf?sequence=1
• Modi, A., Gadhavi, R., Perez-Cardona, C., and Joshipura, K. (2021). Longitudinal association between adiposity measures and regression of prediabetes/diabetes. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 31(11), 3085–3094. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475321003264
• Algotar, P., Gadhavi, R., and Talsania, N. (2019). Coverage evaluation of mission indradhanush immunization program in Urban and Rural Communities of Ahmadabad District of Gujarat. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 6(4), 16–19. http://www.allsubjectjournal.com/archives/2019/vol6/issue4/6-3-72
• Gadhavi, R., Nayak, H., Jakasania, A. H., and Modi, A. (2018). An epidemiological study of measles incidence and vaccination coverage in urban slums of Ahmadabad, India. IJMEDPH, 8(2). https://www.fulltxt.org/article/976
• Gadhavi, R., and Jakasania, A. H. (2017). Obesity: A key risk factor for diabetes among government employees, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Sch. J. App. Med. Sci., 5(6B), 2150–2153. https://www.academia.edu/73599322/Obesity_A_key_risk_factor_for_diabetes_among_government_employees_Gandhinagar_Gujarat
• Gadhavi, R. N., Jakasania, A., and Solanki, D. (2017). An epidemiological study to measure the prevalence of risk factors of diabetes and hypertension and to find the association between them: A cross-sectional study in Gandhinagar. Health Line Journal, 8(1), 55–60. http://www.iapsmgc.org/index_pdf/232.pdf
• Gadhavi, R., and Jakasania, A. (2017). A cross-sectional study among government employees to detect undiagnosed cases of Hypertension and Diabetes in Gujarat. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med, 3(3), 1–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.201708
• Gadhavi, R., Solanki, D. M., Rami, K., Bhagora, S., and Thakor, N. (2015). Relationship between blood pressure and BMI: A cross-sectional study among government employees of Gujarat state, India. Int J Res Med Sci., 3(7), 1637–1640. https://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms/article/view/1568
• Gadhavi, R. N., Vidhani, M., and Patel, F. (2013). Are today's mothers aware enough about breastfeeding? Knowledge, attitude, and practice study on urban mothers. National Journal of Medical Research, 3(1), 396. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682591/
• Chauhan, N., Desai, M., Shah, S., Shah, A., and Gadhavi, R. (2021). Treatment outcome of different antiretroviral drug regimens in HIV-positive pregnant women. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 12(1), 40–47. https://doi.org/10.4103/picr.PICR_74_19
• Prajapati, N., Chaudhari, C. C., Dixit, G. T., Gadhavi, R., Bhatt, A. A., and Thakor, N. (2017). Tobacco and betel nut use among school-going adolescents of government high school of Himmatnagar city, Gujarat, India: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 4(2). https://www.ijpediatrics.com/index.php/ijcp/issue/view/15
• Brahmbhatt, K., Nayak, H., Gadhavi, R., and Vyas, S. (2013). Epidemiological determinants of the physical activity among the urban community of Ahmadabad, India: A cross-sectional study. Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2(6), 1–6. https://www.gjmedph.com//Uploads/O9-Vo2No6.pdf
• Thakor, N., Gadhavi, R. N., Damor, P., Baranda, U., Bhagora, S., and Patel, N. (2015). Sociodemographic profile and health status of children living with HIV–AIDS attached to an NGO (ADHAR) of Ahmedabad city. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 4(6), 773–776. https://www.bibliomed.org/?mno=176614
• Damor, P., Thakor, N., Baranda, U., Gadhavi, R., Patel, N., Thakkar, D., et al. (2015). Immunodeficiency virus associated tuberculous lymphadenitis: A clinical study of 50 cases of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 2(2), 100–103. https://www.ijmedicine.com/index.php/ijam/article/view/387
• Nayak, H. K., Sonia, B., Kapoor, R., and Gadhavi, R. (2011). Prevalence and pattern of stress relaxation practices in Ahmadabad city: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Yoga, 4(20), 87–92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193659/
• Nayak, S., Thakor, N., and Gadhavi, R. (2015). Prevalence of anemia and visual impairment among school going adolescents of Patan City, Gujarat: A cross sectional study. National Journal of Community Medicine, 6(3), 449–451. https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/download/1238/984/1615
• Gadhavi, R. (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). Gujarat State AIDS Control Society Annual Report 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16. Gujarat State AIDS Control Society, Government of Gujarat, India. https://www.gsacsonline.org/e-citizen/publications
• National AIDS Control Organization. (2014). Assessment of prevention of parent to child transmission of HIV in three states Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. http://naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20PPTCT%20assessment%20report%2020%2010%2014%20.pdf
• National AIDS Control Organization. (2017). National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS and STI 2017 – 2024. https://naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/Paving%20the%20Way%20for%20an%20AIDS%2015122017.pdf
• National AIDS Control Organization. (2016). Provider initiated testing and counseling for presumptive TB cases and TB patients training manual for laboratory technicians. https://www.aidsdatahub.org/sites/default/files/resource/training-manual-laboratory-technicians-2016.pdf

• EPI711 Infectious Disease Epidemiology 
• EPI702 Conducting Population Based Research 

• Visiting Faculty, School of Public Health, AIIMS Jodhpur, India (12 October 2023 to till date) 
• Central Team Member for HIV Sentinel Surveillance(HSS) , Government of India,(2020 to till date)
• National Master Trainer, Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) & FETP Program, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• National Accessor, Effective Vaccine Management (EVM), UNICEF & National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. (2020)
• Master Trainer, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, Government of Gujarat( 2009-2016)
• Technical Resource Group(TRG) member, National AIDS Control Organization(NACO), Government of India(2015-16,2016-17)
• National Working Group on HIV Estimates 2017, Member, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Government of India. (2017) 
• National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS and STI 2017 – 2024, Member, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Government of India. (2016) 
• National Task Force(BSD), Member, National AIDS Control Organization(NACO), Government of India(2016-17)
• National Trainer for PPTCT Program, National AIDS Control Organization(NACO), Government of India(2015-16) 
• National Trainer for IBBS Program, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Government of India. (2015-16) 
• Training Officer, Integrated Management of Neonatal & Childhood Illness (IMNCI), Government of Gujarat. (2005-06,2009-10) 
• State Routine Immunization Monitoring Officer, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat. (2009-10,2011-12) 
• Reviewer, Frontiers in Oral Health;  Cardio-metabolic Health section (2022 to till date)
• Reviewer, 11th Southeast Asia and Western Pacific  Bi- Regional TEPHINET Scientific conference.(2023)

1. Position: Investigator
Project Title: Consumption of Food and Food Products/Items High In Fat, Salt, and Sugar
Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Year: 2018-19

2. Position: Investigator
Project Title: State Routine Immunization Validation Project
Funding Agency: Government of Gujarat
Year: 2018

3. Position: Team Leader
Project Title: Field data Validation Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Mizoram
Funding Agency: UNICEF
Year: 2017

4. Position: Investigator
Project Title: Gestational Diabetes awareness and screening project in Ahmadabad city & district, Gujarat, India
Funding Agency: World Diabetes Federation (WDF)
Year: 2016-18

5. Position: Principal Investigator & Nodal Officer
Project Title: Integrated Behavioral and Biological Survey for HIV in Gujarat State, India
Funding Agency: National AIDS Control Organization
Year: 2013-14

6. Position: Principal Investigator & Nodal Officer
Project Title: HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) in Gujarat State, India
Funding Agency: National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)
Year: 2012-13, 2014-15 & 2016-17

7. Position: Principal Investigator
Project Title: An epidemiological study to measure measles incidence in Ahmadabad Urban Slums, Gujarat, India
Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Year: 2012-13

8. Position: Principal Investigator
Project Title: Prevalence of sickle cell anemia among the tribal population of Dang District, Gujarat, India
Funding Agency: Government of Gujarat
Year: 2006-07

9. Position: Co-Investigator
Project Title: Prevalence of Diabetes and HT and its risk factors among urban government officials, Gujarat, India
Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Year: 2003-04

10. Position: Field Investigator
Project Title: The Micronutrient Initiative Impact Survey
Funding Agency: Micronutrient Initiative
Year: 2003-04

11. Position: Field Investigator
Project Title: Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) after the earthquake, Kutch, Gujarat, India
Funding Agency: UNICEF
Year: 2003-04

Vaccine-Preventable Disease (Polio, Measles) Elimination & Eradication Trainings

• "Measles and Rubella Elimination and Maintenance of Polio-Free Status in the WHO European Region" (Online, 21–23 Jan 2025)
• "Measles & Polio surveillance and immunization/SIA by WHO" (Port Moresby, PNG, 7–8 Mar 2023)
• "Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) – National ToT by NIHFW & UNICEF" (Vijaywada, India, 5–9 Feb 2020)
• "Measles surveillance and immunization/SIA by WHO" (Port Moresby, PNG, 1–4 May 2019)
• "Polio surveillance and immunization/SIA by WHO" (Port Moresby, PNG, 2–5 Feb 2019)
• "Field training in Polio and Measles surveillance and immunization by CDC" (Atlanta, USA, 10–20 May 2011)
• "Induction Training on Surveillance of Polio by WHO’s NPSU – India Project" (Lucknow, India, 2–7 Mar 2008)
• "Induction Training on Subnational Immunization Activity (SIA) by WHO’s NPSU – India Project" (Lucknow, India, 25–31 Dec 2007)

Other Public Health Trainings

• "M&E Fundamental Course by Global Health eLearning Center" (Online, 20–27 Dec 2019)
• "Development of National Strategic Plan (2017–2024) TOT by NACO" (New Delhi, India, 29 Jun 2017)
• "ANC & HRG HIV Sentinel Surveillance 2017 ToT" (Pune, India, 4–6 Jan 2017)
• "National Workshop on NACO Data System (SIMS) TOT by NACO" (New Delhi, India, 5–6 Aug 2016)
• "ToT for Gestational Diabetes Awareness & Screening Project by WDF" (Ahmedabad, India, 12 May 2016)
• "M&E Capacity Strengthening on SIMS Workshop TOT by NACO" (New Delhi, India, 11–13 Feb 2016)
• "International Training on Major Communicable Diseases by Shandong Academy" (Jinan, China, 16 May–14 Jun 2015)
• "National Quality Assurance Standards Assessor’s Training" (Ahmedabad, India, 27 Apr–1 May 2015)
• "NABH Assessor’s Training by Quality Council of India" (Ahmedabad, India, 5–9 Apr 2015)
• "PPTCT Multi-Drug Regimen National TOT by NACO" (New Delhi, India, 15–16 Apr 2014)
• "Data Management in Public Health Research by Univ. of South Florida" (Online, 21–31 Jan 2014)
• "National Data Analysis Plan under NACP IV by NACO" (Pondicherry, India, 16–18 Jan 2014)
• "Master Trainers Training for PMTCT of HIV by NACO" (Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 11–13 Nov 2013)
• "Micro-Plan Development for ARV Regimens in PPTCT Program by NACO" (New Delhi, India, 12 Jun 2013)
• "Integrated Bio-behavioral Survey – Regional TOT by NARI" (Pune, India, 4–8 Jun 2013)
• "HIV Sentinel Surveillance Planning by NIHFW" (New Delhi, India, 7–8 May 2013)
• "Publication Strategies & Systematic Reviews Workshop by Univ. of South Florida & Surat Medical College" (Surat, India, 8–10 Apr 2013)
• "Knowledge Transfer Workshop on PMTCT Program by IIHMR" (Jaipur, India, 18–20 Dec 2012)
• "Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness & Response by WHO & B.J. Medical College" (Ahmedabad, India, 20–21 Sep 2012)
• "Earthquake Mitigation & Management by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management" (Ahmedabad, India, 7–11 Feb 2011)
• "Public Health Preparedness Exercises by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health" (Online, 6–12 Feb 2010)
• "Operational Research in HIV/AIDS: Research Methodology by WHO" (Chennai, India, 16–20 Nov 2009)
• "TOT on IMNCI for Maternal & Child Health by UNICEF" (Vadodara, India, 27 Jul–4 Aug 2006)
• "RNTCP Training for Tuberculosis Control by UNICEF" (Vadodara, India, 5–9 Jun 2005)

• Certificate of appreciation for contribution toward Vaccine Preventable Diseases from Minister of Health& HIV, Government of Papua New Guinea & WHO Representative, Papua New Guinea.
• cVDPV Outbreak Response Award at Papua New Guinea(PNG),2018 from the Regional Director, Western Pacific Regional Office, WHO
• CORONA WARRIOR award for outstanding commitment to fighting against COVID 19 Pandemic from the Government of Gujarat
• Graduate Merit Scholarship in MHA, Recipient from the Midwestern State University, Texas, USA
• Competitive In-state Waiver in MHA, Recipient from the Midwestern State University, Texas, USA
• Minnie Rhea Wood Scholarship in MHA, Recipient from the Midwestern State University, Texas, USA

• Technical Consultant (WHO PNG Country Office), Philippines (Manila, Oct–Nov 2023): Conducted mid-level manager training for routine immunization and VPD surveillance for Philippines Health Department staff.
• Technical Consultant (WHO PNG Country Office), Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby, Mar–Jul 2023): Supported measles-rubella campaign, routine immunization, and COVID-19 vaccination implementation.
• Technical Consultant (P4, Science & Research, WHO-WPRO), Philippines (Manila, Aug 2021–Dec 2022): Supported Health Emergency division with scientific updates and evidence during COVID-19.
• Outbreak Response Consultant (WHO PNG Country Office), Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby, Sep 2018–Jul 2019): Supported cVDPV (polio) outbreak control with PNG Health Department.
• Keynote Speaker (Hainan Medical University), China (Hainan, 23 Oct–10 Nov 2017): Presented on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment practices of Polio and HIV/AIDS in India.
• Delegate (UNAIDS/NACO), Cambodia (Phnom Penh, 18–22 May 2016): Studied community-based HIV testing, treatment, and care approaches.
• Delegate (UNAIDS/NACO), Thailand (Bangkok, 15–18 May 2016): Studied community-based HIV testing, treatment, and care approaches.
• Keynote Speaker (Communicable Disease Workshop, Sheldon Medical University), China (Jinan, 26 May–14 Jun 2014): Trained Chinese and international participants on AIDS control using India's NACP strategy.
• STOP Consultant, Nigeria (Jigawa State, 1 Jun–31 Aug 2011): Supported polio control by strengthening AFP surveillance and immunization.
• Presenter (Inter-American Society of Hypertension), USA (Miami, 6–10 May 2007): Presented research on hypertension prevalence among urban government officials.
• Speaker (1st International GGSD Conference), UAE (Dubai, 13–15 Feb): Presented research on NCD prevalence among Gandhinagar government officials.
• Member (Maternal Child Health Handbook Symposium), Thailand (Bangkok, 14–22 Dec 2004): Contributed to handbook development with international health professionals.