The 69th Annual Conference of the Indian Public Health Association was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research in Belagavi, Karnataka from 21 to 23 March 2025. The theme of the conference was Transforming Public Health in India: Innovations, Challenges, Diplomacy and Future Horizons. The Chhanw team of Girika Sharma and Rajib Dasgupta presented three papers:

1-Health SDGs are at risk from Climate Change: Learnings from an empirical analysis of Indian Data- This study examines how climate vulnerability in 575 rural districts of India impacts health outcomes, specifically addressing the challenges to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

2-Significant Health Risks occur due to high heat conditions: Evidence from India- The study examines heat-health risks in India using national data, and includes a narrative review of Global and Indian evidence on morbidity outcomes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing heat-related health impacts.

3-Unpacking Heat Action Plans in 8 Indian Cities: Knowledge Gaps and Opportunities for Intersectoral Heat Governance- The study critically assesses eight city level Heat Action Plans from India, in terms of the eight core elements identified by the WHO guidance on heat-health action.

Rajib Dasgupta was also awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the Indian Public Health Association.