The 12th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH)

Professor Abhishek Mehta, India lead of CORE programme presented a scientific paper at the International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) in Bali, Indonesia from 5th – 7th August, 2026, titled “Strengthening Oral Health Equity Research in India: Insights from the CORE Programme.” The presentation showcased the CORE Programme’s multinational approach to addressing oral health inequalities across four LMICs to a wider audience of Public Health Professionals from Global South.

He highlighted the programme’s particular focus on community engagement, equitable research collaboration, and strengthening local research capacity through mixed-methods research portfolio, including mapping oral health inequalities using national survey data, exploring the lived experiences of disadvantaged communities, modelling potential public health interventions, and co-designing locally relevant solutions. The presentation demonstrated how strengthening research capacity alongside community engagement and evidence-informed policy approaches can contribute to more equitable oral health systems across low- and middle-income countries.