Dr. Sunil Kumar Agarwalla — A Lifelong Crusader for Child Health, Vaccination, and Medical Education

In a country where public health challenges evolve by the day, there are a few medical professionals whose consistent dedication and impact stand as guiding lights. Among them, Dr. Sunil Kumar Agarwalla, Professor of Pediatrics at SCB Medical College & SVPPGIP, Cuttack, represents a rare blend of medical excellence, academic contribution, and humanitarian service.

With over 30 years of service and more than 27 years of teaching experience, Dr. Agarwalla has dedicated his life to improving the health and future of children across India, particularly in Odisha. His influence spans across classrooms, hospital wards, conferences, and national campaigns — a testament to his all-encompassing vision for pediatric care.

Academic and Professional Journey

Dr. Agarwalla completed his MD in Pediatrics, beginning his career with three years of peripheral service in the tribal district of Kandhamal, where he experienced firsthand the ground realities of child health and immunization challenges in underserved regions. From 2000 to 2021, he served as a senior faculty member at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, before joining SCB Medical College in Cuttack, where he continues to mentor future pediatricians and guide policy implementation in public health.

As a professor and teacher, he has inspired generations of undergraduates and postgraduates with his teaching on vaccinology, infectious diseases, neurology, nutrition, and medical education training (MET). He has not only trained students but also periphery doctors, practitioners, and community health professionals, ensuring that the principles of vaccination and preventive pediatrics reach the farthest corners of the healthcare system.

Contributions to Vaccinology and Immunization

Few pediatricians in India can claim such a deep and sustained engagement with vaccinology. Dr. Agarwalla has been at the forefront of immunization programs, both as a researcher and as a practitioner. His involvement in vaccine policy, outbreak response, and immunization awareness has made him a respected voice in public health circles.

He has conducted and participated in prestigious workshops and conferences across the globe — from ESPID in Milan to EAPS in BarcelonaNNIW 100 in Geneva, and numerous national and state-level Pedicons and Vaccicons. He has represented India at the highest platforms of pediatric and vaccine dialogue, contributing both as an expert and a speaker.

Dr. Agarwalla’s commitment was most visibly demonstrated during the 2016 Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outbreak in Malkangiri, Odisha, which claimed over 130 child lives. Amid chaos and political turmoil, he led a relentless health awareness campaign through local TV and radio, coordinated emergency ICU responses, and advised on containment strategies that eventually brought the outbreak under control. His efforts were instrumental in driving the JE catch-up immunization campaign across 11 districts of Odisha — a milestone in the state’s public health history.

He was also deeply involved in the Measles-Rubella campaignMission Indradhanush, and Saksham modules aimed at preschool and school children. His tireless advocacy for routine immunization and reduction of vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him widespread recognition as a public educator and trusted health communicator.

A Scholar with a Global Voice

Dr. Agarwalla’s academic contributions mirror his practical achievements. With 86 publications in Indian journals and 46 in international journals, his research has enriched pediatric literature across multiple domains. His works have covered key areas such as immunization in pregnancy and lactation, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal infections, COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, and the future of vaccine development in India.

He is also a member of the Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) and has contributed chapters to the ACVIP Purple Book on Immunization, as well as a coffee table book on Vaccines and Vaccinology published in 2022.

His academic influence extends to his leadership roles — as Vice President of IAP OdishaSecretary of IAP GanjamOrganizing Secretary of Odisha Pedicon 2013, and Executive Board Member (Central IAP) in 2017 and 2024. His contributions to professional chapters, including Infectious Diseases, Nutrition, Rheumatology, and Computer Pediatrics, underscore his multidisciplinary expertise.

Mentor, Communicator, and Visionary

Beyond his academic and professional accolades, Dr. Agarwalla stands out as a passionate mentor and communicator. His ability to translate complex medical science into clear, actionable public messages has made him a household name during critical health campaigns. Over the years, he has delivered more than 300 talks through conferences, media appearances, webinars, and radio programs — empowering both professionals and the public with reliable medical information.

His vision for the future centers around strengthening routine immunization (RI) coverage, combating vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring that every child in India has equitable access to life-saving vaccines. He continues to advocate for policy reforms such as including Typhoid and HPV vaccines in the National Immunization Programmandatory immunization cards at school entry, and awareness campaigns to encourage booster doses.

His slogan — “Vaccinate your child at every opportunity” — perfectly captures his lifelong mission.

Recognition and Awards

Dr. Agarwalla’s distinguished service has been acknowledged with several prestigious honors, including:

  • Dr. Gopal Ch. Pattanaik Trust Award (1992)
  • Chikitsak Ratan Award (2006)
  • Pioneer Award (2009)
  • Best Doctor Award (2019)
  • Pfizer Gold Medal Award and Harihara Memorial Award (1992)
  • Best Doctor Award by Cuttack Nrutyotsav Committee (2025)

These accolades are not just symbols of professional recognition but reflections of a lifetime of compassion, leadership, and impact.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Agarwalla’s career is more than a list of titles and achievements — it is the story of an unyielding commitment to children’s health and public welfare. Whether leading outbreak responses, training young doctors, or standing before a classroom or camera, his mission remains constant: to build a healthier, safer, and more immunized India.

Through his dedication to vaccinology, pediatric education, and public service, Dr. Agarwalla has become not only a pillar of Odisha’s healthcare ecosystem but also an enduring inspiration for the next generation of pediatricians.

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