Established in 2008, the Birbhum Population Project (BIRPOP) is a leading Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) and a novel research initiative of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, India. BIRPOP functions under the ambit of the Society for Health and Demographic Surveillance (SHDS), which was registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, XXVI of 1961, West Bengal. BIRPOP-SHDS is located in the Birbhum District of the state of West Bengal in India. The primary objectives in setting up BIRPOP-SHDS were to track vital statistics, socioeconomic status, and health status within a geographically defined population cohort; to undertake longitudinal studies; and to generate observational and interventional evidence to inform public health policies for rural communities in West Bengal.
Since its inception, BIRPOP-SHDS has developed into an evidence-based population health research organization in the state and strives to serve as a model for other states and countries. Governed by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, BIRPOP-SHDS has independent Research Review and Ethics Review committees, which periodically convene to take stock of ongoing research. Researchers from BIRPOP have collaborated with researchers globally to generate robust evidence that informs demographic and public health policies.
BIRPOP-SHDS welcomes proposals for groundbreaking research that can be conducted within our distinctive environment. We're especially interested in studies focusing on emerging trends in Indian demography, such as the phenomenon of low fertility rates among rural Indian populations. Additionally, we welcome research addressing critical public health challenges. This includes the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a wide range of issues related to Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N). Our goal is to produce robust evidence that will directly inform public health policies in India and contribute to effective strategies for mitigating these pressing issues. Those interested in analyzing existing data of BIRPOP-SHDS or in developing research funding proposals can reach out to the Project Director – Dr. Anamitra Barik: anomitro2010@gmail.com.