It gives me immense pleasure to present the remarkable achievements and significant milestones accomplished by the ICMR-National Institute of Virology over the past two years. The NIV is an apex institute in the area of virology and has shown commitment during crises and emergencies such as those seen during COVID-19. It has shown remarkable responses to outbreak investigations and the diagnosis of newly emerging and existing viral diseases. The NIV is also extending its research support to neighboring countries in terms of capacity building, sharing diagnostic resources and facilities, surveillance, and outbreak investigations, as and when required.
We began the year 2022, with a momentous occasion—the inauguration of the 'Mobile BSL-3 Laboratory'. This state-of-the-art facility symbolizes our commitment to indigenous innovation and preparedness for combating infectious diseases. The mobile BSL-3 laboratory was validated and field trials were conducted in Maharashtra and Kerala in 2023. It is a testament to our dedication to ensuring rapid and effective responses to emerging health threats.
ICMR-NIV continued to play a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19. In the last two years, we screened over eight lakh clinical samples for SARS-CoV-2, providing critical data for epidemiological surveillance and control measures. The institute served as a central and regional depot for the storage, validation, and distribution of
diagnostic reagents, ensuring quality control for laboratories nationwide. Furthermore, we dispatched the WHO SARS-CoV-2 EQAS panel to 649 laboratories across the country, enhancing testing capabilities and standardization. Genomic surveillance efforts yielded valuable insights into the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Analysis of nearly 20,000 Indian SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences revealed the predominance of the Omicron BA.2 lineage. We have conducted virus isolation and characterization studies on various variants of concern (VOCs) and variants under monitoring (VUMs), contributing to their implications in public health.
Leveraging the DHR-ICMR VRDLs, we have established a pan-India network for epidemiological, virological, and genomic surveillance of respiratory viruses. Efforts in surveillance and outbreak response have been instrumental in containing outbreaks of Nipah virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), underscoring the importance of preparedness and collaboration in mitigating emerging health threats. Furthermore, the institute has continued to contribute to the research on a diverse range of pathogens, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. ICMR-NIV maintains its status as a WHO collaborating center (CC) on emerging viruses, and the institute has supplied a substantial number of diagnostic kits for dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis to national programs. ICMR-NIV's three peripheral units, namely NIV Bengaluru, Alappuzha, and Mumbai units, have consistently provided diagnostic support for viral infections and contributed to human resource development initiatives in their respective states.
The Department of Health Research (DHR) through the ICMR is in the process of establishing four Zonal National Institute of Virology units under the PM-ABHIM program to strengthen India’s health infrastructure. These four new zonal NIVs are being established at Bangalore (South zone), Jabalpur (Central zone), Dibrugarh (East zone), and Jammu (North zone) for collaborative research and outbreak investigation of viral diseases. The foundation stone of three of these Zonal NIVs (Jabalpur, Bengaluru and Dibrugarh) and the foundation stone for National Institute of One Health, Nagpur, another priority project under the PM-ABHIM program, was laid by Honorable Prime Minister of India.
Over the past two years, the institute has published 236 research articles and filed ten patents, reflecting its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Furthermore, ICMR-NIV has actively supported academic programs and training initiatives, with notable progress observed in the M.Sc. Virology and Ph.D. programs.
The NIV is keen to enrich basic research so as to quickly translate the knowledge into technologies (vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics) in the shortest amount of time during an emergency situation. Newer initiatives in the area of the human-animal-environment interface (one health) will allow us to keep track of the emergence of newer zoonotic infections. Further research in the area of virus-host interaction will be strengthened so as to develop novel antiviral drugs.
As we look ahead, our commitment to excellence in research, capacity building, and public health remains unwavering. We will continue to collaborate with national and international partners to address the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases and to safeguard the health and well-being of communities across India and beyond.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, collaborators, and dedicated staff members for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our shared mission. Together, let us continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and innovation in the service of humanity.
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Director
ICMR-NIV, Pune
