Research
Community Research
Community Research
The Blue Shed Project – Delhi
Informed by decades of engagement with People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Delhi, YRG MERF launched the Blue Shed Project in late 2023 to address the urgent social and behavioral health needs of this community. Located along the Yamuna banks an area long known for makeshift “shooting galleries” the project was conceptualized as a safe, inclusive space that offers dignity, care, and holistic support.
The Blue Shed Project – Delhi
Informed by decades of engagement with People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Delhi, YRG MERF launched the Blue Shed Project in late 2023 to address the urgent social and behavioral health needs of this community. Located along the Yamuna banks an area long known for makeshift “shooting galleries” the project was conceptualized as a safe, inclusive space that offers dignity, care, and holistic support.
Exploring bNAbs as HIV Prevention Tools in India
YRG MERF, in collaboration with IAVI and USAID, conducted a multi-site study in Delhi and Chennai (2021–22) to understand the potential of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) as a next-generation HIV prevention product. The research focused on priority populations, People Who Inject Drugs.
Exploring bNAbs as HIV Prevention Tools in India
YRG MERF, in collaboration with IAVI and USAID, conducted a multi-site study in Delhi and Chennai (2021–22) to understand the potential of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) as a next-generation HIV prevention product. The research focused on priority populations, People Who Inject Drugs.
Mission Corona Vijay
YRG MERF joined hands with the American India Foundation under Mission Corona Vijay to support India’s national COVID-19 vaccination drive. The project focused on reaching vulnerable and marginalized populations who often face barriers in accessing healthcare.
Mission Corona Vijay
YRG MERF joined hands with the American India Foundation under Mission Corona Vijay to support India’s national COVID-19 vaccination drive. The project focused on reaching vulnerable and marginalized populations who often face barriers in accessing healthcare.
DigiTaPP Study: Digitally Driven Risk Networks & HIV Vaccine Preferences
YRG MERF participated in the DigiTaPP (Digitally-driven Target Product Profile) study aimed at informing user-centric HIV vaccine profiles by understanding the evolving dynamics of sexual risk networks, both online and offline, among adolescents and truck drivers in India. The study was conducted in parallel across South Africa, Uganda, and India.
DigiTaPP Study: Digitally Driven Risk Networks & HIV Vaccine Preferences
YRG MERF participated in the DigiTaPP (Digitally-driven Target Product Profile) study aimed at informing user-centric HIV vaccine profiles by understanding the evolving dynamics of sexual risk networks, both online and offline, among adolescents and truck drivers in India. The study was conducted in parallel across South Africa, Uganda, and India.
DigiTaPP Study: Digitally Driven Risk Networks & HIV Vaccine Preferences
YRG MERF participated in the DigiTaPP (Digitally-driven Target Product Profile) study aimed at informing user-centric HIV vaccine profiles by understanding the evolving dynamics of sexual risk networks, both online and offline, among adolescents and truck drivers in India. The study was conducted in parallel across South Africa, Uganda, and India.
Understanding Barriers & Motivators to OST Uptake in Delhi (OST Assessment Study)
YRG MERF conducted a community-level qualitative study to explore barriers and motivators for participation and retention in the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) program among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Delhi.
Understanding Barriers & Motivators to OST Uptake in Delhi (OST Assessment Study)
YRG MERF conducted a community-level qualitative study to explore barriers and motivators for participation and retention in the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) program among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Delhi.
Urban Resilience in the Face of COVID-19: Tackling Stigma & Discrimination in Mumbai
This initiative was launched to understand and address the Stigma and Discrimination (S&D) associated with COVID-19 in two of Mumbai’s most densely populated and vulnerable wards - M/East and G/North. These communities experienced a high burden of infections and were marked by cramped living spaces, inadequate infrastructure, and widespread fear during the early phases of the pandemic. YRG MERF, in collaboration with local partner NGOs and UNICEF, conducted a mixed-methods study involving qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with over 8,000 respondents across stakeholder categories - frontline workers, youth, women in self-help groups, community influencers, and the general public.
Urban Resilience in the Face of COVID-19: Tackling Stigma & Discrimination in Mumbai
This initiative was launched to understand and address the Stigma and Discrimination (S&D) associated with COVID-19 in two of Mumbai’s most densely populated and vulnerable wards - M/East and G/North. These communities experienced a high burden of infections and were marked by cramped living spaces, inadequate infrastructure, and widespread fear during the early phases of the pandemic. YRG MERF, in collaboration with local partner NGOs and UNICEF, conducted a mixed-methods study involving qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with over 8,000 respondents across stakeholder categories - frontline workers, youth, women in self-help groups, community influencers, and the general public.
Understanding the Social & Spatial Drivers of HIV & HCV Among PWID in Delhi (Spatial Networks Study)
To explore how individual behaviors, social networks, and spatial dynamics contribute to HIV and HCV transmission among PWID in Delhi - and how these networks could be leveraged for more effective prevention and care interventions.
Understanding the Social & Spatial Drivers of HIV & HCV Among PWID in Delhi (Spatial Networks Study)
To explore how individual behaviors, social networks, and spatial dynamics contribute to HIV and HCV transmission among PWID in Delhi - and how these networks could be leveraged for more effective prevention and care interventions.
Camp Rainbow: A Place Where Kids Can Be Kids
For children living with HIV, Cancer, Diabetes, or Thalassaemia, life often centres around hospital visits, medications, and challenges that most other children never encounter. Camp Rainbow changes that by providing a space where they can laugh, play, learn, and simply be kids, all while receiving the support needed to stay healthy.
Camp Rainbow: A Place Where Kids Can Be Kids
For children living with HIV, Cancer, Diabetes, or Thalassaemia, life often centres around hospital visits, medications, and challenges that most other children never encounter. Camp Rainbow changes that by providing a space where they can laugh, play, learn, and simply be kids, all while receiving the support needed to stay healthy.
