USTM Professor Contributes to Landmark Global Study Published in The Lancet Neurology

 

Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya | May 2026: In a remarkable achievement for the academic and research community of North East India, Dr Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Assistant Professor at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has contributed to a major international research study published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Neurology (Impact Factor: 45).

The study, titled “Global, regional, and national burden of meningitis, its risk factors, and aetiologies, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023,” presents one of the most comprehensive assessments of meningitis trends worldwide over the last three decades. The research analyses the global, regional, and national burden of meningitis from 1990 to 2023, examining its risk factors, mortality trends, and various disease-causing aetiologies.

Dr Mohanta’s contribution forms part of a large-scale collaborative effort involving leading scientists, researchers, and institutions from across the globe under the framework of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study. The findings of the study highlight significant progress made in reducing meningitis-related mortality in several regions while also drawing attention to continuing challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries where meningitis remains a major public health concern.

Speaking on the significance of the study, Dr Mohanta stated, “Meningitis continues to be a serious health challenge, especially among vulnerable populations. The study emphasises the urgent need for improved vaccination coverage, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and stronger healthcare systems to effectively reduce the disease burden.”

The research further underscores the critical role of socioeconomic conditions, healthcare accessibility, and public health interventions in influencing disease outcomes. The findings are expected to support policymakers, healthcare professionals, and global health organisations in formulating targeted strategies for controlling and eventually eliminating meningitis as a public health threat.

Adding another feather to his cap, Dr. Mohanta is currently serving as a GBD Senior Collaborator at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Washington University. He has also been recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, as published by Elsevier, for his continuous contribution to scientific research.

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya has congratulated Dr. Mohanta on this prestigious accomplishment, stating that his involvement in such a high-impact international study reflects USTM’s growing footprint in global research and academic excellence.

The publication is expected to become a significant reference in the field of global health policy and epidemiological research, contributing to accelerated international efforts towards the prevention and control of meningitis worldwide.

About the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM):

Established in 2011, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is the first state private university in the field of Science and Technology in North East India. The University was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its first cycle of assessment in 2021. USTM remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, while promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development