Aavnesh Sharma

Technical Officer , National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health (NPCCHH)-Under National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) ,Ministry of Health, Govt of India

North Delhi, Delhi

Public health and climate change specialist with 15+ years’ experience in government programmes, IT systems, and multi-sector coordination. Founder & Director of Avpravah Foundation, leading initiatives in environmental conservation, health, and rural development. Skilled in project management, data analytics, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building

Contact Aavnesh Sharma
Area of Expertise:
  • Administration, HR, Management, Accounting/Finance
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Communications, IT, Media, Knowledge Management, Editor
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child
Professional Experience:

Summary of Professional Experience

With over 15 years of progressive experience in public health surveillance, climate change adaptation, environmental health, and IT-enabled programme management, I have built a career at the intersection of policy, technology, and community impact. My work spans high-level government programmes, multi-stakeholder coordination, data-driven decision-making, and social sector leadership.

Currently, I serve as a Technical Officer with the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). In this role, I coordinate activities across 18 States/UTs, ensuring smooth programme implementation, status monitoring, and reporting. I lead IT and digital initiatives, including the development of the NPCCHH mobile app (NOADS), official websites, and data-driven health information systems. My responsibilities also include reviewing and managing large datasets, improving data quality, and contributing to Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks. Additionally, I support policy alignment with the National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health (NAPCCHH), conduct training and capacity-building programmes, and manage social media outreach for public awareness campaigns.

I am also the Founder & Director (Volunteer/Unpaid) of Avpravah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, climate resilience, women’s empowerment, rural development, and community health. In this capacity, I have designed and executed projects benefiting thousands of individuals, secured CSR and government partnerships, managed budgets, ensured compliance, and led a team of volunteers and staff. This role reflects my commitment to community development and my ability to drive multi-dimensional impact through strategic planning and execution.

Previously, I worked as a Media Scanning Assistant for over nine years in the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) at NCDC, where I monitored nationwide media sources for unusual health events, generated early warning alerts, and maintained a centralized database to support epidemic intelligence. My work played a vital role in the timely detection and response to outbreaks. Prior to that, I gained experience as a Data Entry Operator with APW-WHO (IDSP), a Technical Assistant with IDSP, and as a Programmer cum Computer Lab Incharge in the education sector.

My professional journey has been complemented by technical skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Database Management Systems, and Desktop Publishing, enabling me to merge data analytics, IT solutions, and communications in programme delivery. I have actively contributed to the development of IEC materials, policy briefs, and technical publications, and have played a key role in organizing national-level workshops, conferences, and training programmes.
Across all my roles, I have demonstrated the ability to manage complex projects, build partnerships, oversee budgets, lead teams, and deliver measurable outcomes. My experience reflects a blend of government programme expertise, NGO leadership, IT-driven innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainable development and public health improvement.

Education:

I hold a Master’s degree in Political Science (2006) from C.C.S. University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where I developed a strong understanding of governance, public policy, and socio-political systems. My postgraduate studies deepened my analytical and research abilities, providing a solid foundation for my later work in public health policy, environmental management, and multi-sectoral programme coordination.

Prior to this, I completed my Bachelor of Arts (2004), also from C.C.S. University, with a combination of English, Economics, and Political Science. This multidisciplinary curriculum equipped me with a balanced perspective—enhancing my language and communication skills, grounding me in economic principles, and reinforcing my grasp of political structures and decision-making processes.

In addition to my academic qualifications, I have pursued multiple professional and technical certifications that have significantly expanded my expertise beyond the social sciences:

Training of Trainers (2018) in the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This training honed my skills in health information systems, epidemiological data management, and capacity building for public health surveillance.

Geographic Information System (GIS) and Field Adapted Survey Toolkit (FAST) (2013) from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), enabling me to apply spatial analysis and data visualization tools in environmental health and climate change adaptation projects.

Desktop Publishing (2007) from UPDESCO, focusing on Adobe PageMaker, Photoshop, CorelDraw, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe FrameMaker, and Corel Ventura, which strengthened my ability to create professional publications, IEC materials, and knowledge products.

Database Management Systems (2007) certification, enhancing my capacity to manage, store, and analyze structured data effectively.

Higher Diploma in Information Technology (2005) and Advanced Diploma in Information Technology (2004) from UPDESCO, along with a Diploma in Computer Maintenance and Networking (2003). These qualifications have been instrumental in my ability to design, implement, and maintain IT systems within programme settings.

This combination of formal education and specialized training has given me a unique skill set that blends policy knowledge, data analysis, IT proficiency, and practical field-based programme management. It has also enabled me to operate effectively at the intersection of public health, climate change, and social development.

My educational background has consistently supported my career progression—from my early work in technical and administrative roles to my current position as Technical Officer at the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), and as Founder & Director of the Avpravah Foundation. By integrating political science, economic reasoning, IT systems, and health surveillance expertise, I have been able to design and implement impactful programmes, foster cross-sector collaboration, and contribute to national and community-level resilience against environmental and health challenges.

Affiliations and Achievements:

Other Affiliations and Achievements
Founder & Director (Volunteer) – Avpravah Foundation, leading multi-sectoral initiatives in environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, women’s empowerment, public health awareness, animal welfare, rural development, and vocational training.
Active Collaborator with government agencies, technical experts, and NGOs for designing and implementing programmes aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Contributor in the development of the NPCCHH mobile application (NOADS), official websites, and IT-based monitoring systems for climate-health data.
Public Speaker & Trainer in national-level workshops, training sessions, and conferences on climate change, environmental health, and surveillance systems.
Technical Expertise in GIS, database management, desktop publishing, and design of IEC materials for mass awareness campaigns.

Recognition for Contributions to public health surveillance through media-based epidemic intelligence, leading to early detection of multiple outbreaks.
Organizing Team Member for high-profile events including:
Food Borne Infection Workshop, NCDC (2012)
ICMR-NCDC-CDC Atlanta Workshop on Japanese Encephalitis/AES (2012)
CDC Atlanta–NDMA National Conference on Emerging Pathogens & Bio-Risk Management (2013)
Strategic Workshop on Disease Surveillance (2013)
1st and 2nd India Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Conferences (2013 & 2014)
Content Development for manuals, training modules, newsletters, and public health guidelines across multiple NCDC divisions.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments

Years of Experience:

15-20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, Hindi

Nationality:

Indian