The process of development is not devoid of its problems. They are widely acknowledged with considerable research on their determinants and (potential) solutions. National policies and programmes are often conceptualized on such robust evidence. Yet, the impact remains elusive which forms a burning question in development. This talk draws upon my experience with the Anemia Mukt Bharat program of India and outlines the status and challenges in achieving program impact. Anemia is a complex problem that requires greater focus on implementation research with a multi-disciplinary perspective. Following a systems approach, the talk highlights the need and scope for leveraging academic research to enhance the effectiveness of developmental solutions.

Speaker: Dr. William Joe, Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi.
Dr. William Joe is an Assistant Professor at the Population Research Centre (PRC), Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi and is also affiliated as Bernard Lown Scholar, Harvard-Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, United States. He has PhD in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University with research interests in Health Economics, Demography, Development Economics and Program Evaluation.
Currently he is involved in research and technical support on maternal and child nutrition in India for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the NITI Aayog, Tata Trusts and the UNICEF. He is also engaged in monitoring and evaluation of National Health Mission (NHM).