Vishwajeet Kumar

Vishwajeet Kumar is the Founder, CEO, and Principal Scientist at Community Empowerment Lab, based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.1 He has dedicated his career to improving newborn health and reducing infant mortality in Uttar Pradesh, one of India's most challenging regions for healthcare.

Background and Education

Vishwajeet Kumar holds the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Bihar (1994-2000)1
• Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Disease Control from The Johns Hopkins University (2001-2002)1

Professional Experience

Kumar has an extensive background in public health and research:

• CEO and Principal Scientist at Community Empowerment Lab (June 2011 - Present)1
• Founder of Community Empowerment Lab (2011 - Present)1
• Principal Investigator at THE INCLEN TRUST INTERNATIONAL (2009 - 2011)1
• Associate Faculty at Johns Hopkins University (2002 - 2011)1
• Director of Johns Hopkins–King George's Medical University Collaborative Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (May 2002 - December 2009)1

Achievements and Recognition

Vishwajeet Kumar has received numerous awards and honors for his work in public health and community empowerment, including:

• Multiple Grand Challenges awards from Grand Challenges Canada and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation1
• Asia 21 Fellow, Young Leaders in Asia Pacific (2008)1
• Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency (2016)1
• Rani Laxmi Bai Bravery Award for Life Coach from the Government of UP (2016)1
• Fellow, GE Innovation Network (2016)1

Mission and Approach

Kumar's work focuses on reducing newborn mortality in Uttar Pradesh, India. His approach emphasizes:

• Developing effective, just, and lasting solutions for newborn health1
• Incorporating the voices and perspectives of local communities in decision-making processes1
• Designing and implementing innovative interventions, such as the Kangaroo Care Lounge project1

Vishwajeet Kumar's career demonstrates a strong commitment to improving public health outcomes through community-based approaches and evidence-based interventions.