Silicosis is a fatal, irreversible occupational disease affecting millions, especially informal workers in mining, stone grinding and pottery. Though severe, it is entirely preventable from a public health perspective. The Let’s Talk Public Health conversation will draw from the experiences of Dr. Prakash Tyagi and his colleagues at GRAVIS, Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India). It will explore community and policy strategies for prevention of silicosis and protection of workers and local communities.

About the speaker

Dr Prakash Tyagi is the Executive Director of Gramin Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS). With a background in medicine and public health, he leads programmes in health, water, agriculture and education, reaching 2.5 million people. GRAVIS also supports 4,000+ CBOs and runs a holistic silicosis programme focussed on care, education, empowerment and advocacy.

About the Let’s Talk Public Health conversation

Let’s Talk Public Health is a conversation initiated by the Azim Premji University, to learn from meaningful contributions to community health and wellbeing through cutting-edge practice, and to deliberate on contemporary public health issues that intersect community, health systems, and policy.