New International Research Project HOPE Launches to Study Democracy, Health, and Poverty

A new international and interdisciplinary research project, Health, Opportunities, and Poverty Eradication (HOPE), has been launched under the leadership of Professor Dan Banik. The project brings together leading scholars from Asia, Africa, and Europe to examine how democratic governance and political processes shape health and development outcomes.

By focusing on the intersection of democracy, health policy, and poverty, HOPE aims to generate new knowledge and practical insights that can inform policy and strengthen health equity across regions.

“By bringing together leading scholars from Asia, Africa, and Europe, HOPE will deepen our understanding of how democracy and governance influence health and development outcomes. I’m excited about the project’s potential to inspire new thinking and practical solutions,” says Banik.

From India to Africa

The project will explore how democracy and electoral politics influence health policy, with a particular focus on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat, India’s flagship universal health coverage programme. HOPE will also analyse India’s healthcare diplomacy in South Africa and Malawi, comparing it with China’s approach to global health engagement.

HOPE is part of the Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE) on the Politics of Sustainable Development, contributing to a broader research agenda on sustainable development, democratic governance, and health equity.

Addressing Inequality Through Research

Despite strong economic growth, India continues to face significant inequalities in access to healthcare. Marginalised communities experience disproportionate levels of disease, maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, and limited access to essential services.

“This paradox — impressive economic growth alongside persistent health disparities — calls for urgent and systematic research,” says Banik.

Through its research, HOPE seeks to deepen debates on democracy, governance, and state capacity, while offering evidence-based insights into how healthcare policies affect poverty, inequality, and welfare. Findings from studies on health inequities and the implementation of Ayushman Bharat will provide valuable input for policymakers, NGOs, and donors. Comparative analysis of India’s and China’s global health strategies will also inform international governance and policy discussions related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Broad International Collaboration

The project is a collaboration between Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Malawi, the University of Pretoria, and the University of Oslo, uniting institutions and researchers across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

“This funding marks an important step in advancing knowledge-driven solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: ensuring that democratic governance delivers not only economic growth, but also equitable health for all,” Banik concludes.