Janhavi Mallaiah

Janhavi Mallaiah, MD, MPH, MA, EdD, Director of Programs at the Institute for Training Outreach and Community Health (InTOuCH) within the Columbia Center for Community Health, holds a medical degree from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Her expertise lies in primary healthcare, community program planning and evaluation, capacity building for frontline health workers, community-based participatory research, and instrument design and validation. Before relocating to the United States, she had extensive public health practice experience in India. During this time, she spearheaded various initiatives, such as establishing primary healthcare clinics, recruiting and training frontline health workers in fundamental health and hygiene practices, and implementing community-based interventions.

Her journey began at the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) in Jamkhed, India—where she first witnessed the transformative power of community health workers. Since then, she has trained over 500 community health workers across continents, helping to strengthen the foundation of community-centered care.

Outside of her professional life, Janhavi is a trained Indian classical vocalist, a curious urban explorer, and a bit nerdy about all things space.