As part of ongoing capacity-building efforts under the WHO GISRS Unity Studies Sites Network – South-East Asia Regional Chapter, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (HIMSR), New Delhi, India, organized a one-day Site Investigator Training on the Household Transmission Investigation (HHTI) protocol on 27 August 2026.
HIMSR’s engagement with WHO Unity Studies builds on experience gained during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the institution implemented WHO Unity protocols and demonstrated its capacity. Building on this foundation, in 2025 HIMSR adapted and exercised the HHTI protocol for Influenza and RSV, with its experience shared through a global Unity Studies webinar. This progression in capacity and experience was published in the journal Viruses, Building Local Research Capacity for Global Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons from WHO Unity Studies and Their Expansion in India.
Building on this experience and adopted protocol, the 2026 multicentric HHTI study aims to investigate household transmission of Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the interpandemic period. The study brings together HIMSR and four participating institutions across India, with HIMSR serving as the coordinating centre. Beyond generating epidemiological evidence, the study provides an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of participating institutions to conduct standardized respiratory pathogen investigations and build practical experience for future outbreaks and pandemics. The study is being supported by catalytic Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) Fund from WHO SEARO, complemented by existing resources mobilized by participating sites.
To support implementation of this study, HIMSR organized one-day online training bringing together investigators, co-investigators and study team members from HIMSR and four participating institutions across India—Government Medical College, Srinagar; Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh; Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi; and Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, along with the WHO India Country Office Unity Studies focal point. |  |
The training established a common understanding of the WHO Unity framework and HHTI protocol, with a focus on practical implementation. Sessions focused on study methodology, enrolment and follow-up of cases and household contacts, laboratory investigations, data and documentation, site responsibilities and coordination. The discussions also provided an opportunity to clarify protocol-related questions and identify potential operational challenges ahead of implementation.
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Participants of the site investigator training on the HHTI protocol. Photo Credit: HIMSR/India
This represents an important step in strengthening site readiness to conduct standardized respiratory pathogen investigations. Through the Unity Studies Network, WHO SEARO, with support from WHO Headquarters and Country Offices, is building a network of prepared sites across the Region that can generate standardized evidence and support rapid investigations during outbreaks and pandemics.