Background & Rationale

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), there is a critical need for evidence-based interventions in diabetes care within Nepal. The Dhana Yoga Foundation is launching this fellowship to bridge the gap between routine clinical data and actionable health policy. By focusing on "Who is covered?", "Service coverage," and "Financial protection," we aim to conduct rigorous economic and operational analysis to improve diabetes outcomes.

The course is intensive and practice based, using routinely available program data to address real world operational challenges. Each participant is paired with experienced mentors who provide continuous guidance throughout the training cycle and during post training follow up to support change management informed by research findings.

Program Objectives

• To conduct operational research specifically focused on diabetes therapy, prevention, and national health indicators.
• To provide intensive, one-on-one mentorship to four selected fellows to develop high-quality research manuscripts.
• To support the translation of research findings into direct improvements in diabetes programs and health systems.

The Fellowship Model

This program follows the proven SORT IT model, a four-module research cycle:

• Module 1 : Protocol Development
• Module 2 : Data Capture & Analysis
• Module 3 : Manuscript Writing & Publication
• Module 4 : Research Communication & Uptake

Mentorship Structure

We are selecting four mentees who will be paired with four expert mentors and individual supervisors. This 1:1 ratio ensures rigorous, extensive guidance from the development of the research question to the final submission of a peer-reviewed publication.

Priority Research Areas

• Advanced Diabetes prevention strategies
• Diagnosis and screening models
• Treatment adherence and glycemic control
• Health system barriers in diabetes care
• Cost-effectiveness and financial protection
• Digital health and innovation in diabetes care

What Makes This Fellowship Unique ?

• Intensive 1:1 mentorship from research experts
• Output-oriented (not just training)
• Small, highly selective cohort
• Focus on real-world impact
• Pathway to publication