Prof. Dr. H. Paramesh: Pioneering Pediatric Pulmonology and Environmental Health

Prof. Dr. H. Paramesh is a distinguished pediatric pulmonologist and environmentalist whose extensive work has significantly influenced child health and environmental policies both nationally and internationally. His multifaceted career encompasses clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy, all aimed at improving respiratory health and addressing environmental challenges. Academic and Professional Background Dr. Paramesh holds an MD in Pediatrics and has been honored with numerous fellowships, including FAAP (USA), FIAP, FIAMS, FIAA, FICAAI, FPAI, FICS, and FICCP, reflecting his expertise and leadership in pediatric and environmental health. He serves as the Chairman of the Lakeside Education Trust and is a Visiting Professor at the Divecha Centre for Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. His academic contributions extend globally, having held visiting professorships in countries such as the USA, Canada, Italy, Nepal, and the UK. Contributions to Environmental Health and Climate Change A prominent figure in environmental health, Dr. Paramesh has held key positions including:

• • National President of Indian Academy of Allergy
  • National President of Pediatric Associations of India
  • Chairman Technical Advisory Committee Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
  • Founder of Respiratory, Allergy, Immunology and Environment chapters of IAP
  • Founder IMA Bangalore East
  • Adviser to WHO, UNICEF,  World Bank, COMHAD & Alliance for Global Health GENEVA
  • Founder member of Thalassemia Sickle Society of Bangalore

• Co-Chairman of the International Pediatric Association on Environmental Health and Climate Change (2023-2025)
• Chief Scientific Advisor for the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Action Plan - CODE Module on Health and Climate 2024
• Advisor to the Tamil Nadu Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) Technical Advisory Group on Health and Nutrition

His involvement with the World Health Organization (WHO) is noteworthy. He is an alumnus of the WHO-NGO Climate–Health Working Group in Geneva and served as a WHO spokesperson on Climate and Health during COP26 in Glasgow. Additionally, he leads the Future Earth Health-Related Sensitization initiative in South Asia, focusing on the intersection of environmental changes and public health. Research and Advocacy Dr. Paramesh's research primarily focuses on the impact of environmental factors on pediatric respiratory health. He has extensively studied the effects of air pollution on asthma prevalence among children and has been a vocal advocate for policies aimed at reducing environmental health risks. His work emphasizes the critical need for integrating environmental considerations into public health strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children. Awards and Recognitions Throughout his career, Dr. Paramesh has received numerous accolades, including:

• • Karnataka State Environment Award 2002

• The Dr. Shantilal Seth Oration Award from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics in 2008
• The Kempegowda Award for Health and Environment in 2011

• Dr. Shivapuri memorial oration award of Indian College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2011

• Athi Vishisht Paryavaran Mitra Award of Academy of Respiratory  Medicine under the auspices of Environmental Association of India in MUDH ISLAND.   MUMBAI, 2013
• White Coat Legend of India by Docflix Mankind Pharma 2024
• Prof. A.S Paintal- Dr. R.C Jain Memorial Chest Oration Award 2024
• Lifetime Achievement Awards from various organizations for his contributions to environmental health in pediatric care Nationally and Internationally.

Public Engagement and Education Beyond his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Paramesh is committed to public education. He frequently delivers lectures and participates in awareness programs to inform both the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of environmental health. His efforts aim to foster a deeper understanding of how environmental factors influence respiratory health, particularly in children. Prof. Dr. H. Paramesh's unwavering dedication to pediatric pulmonology and environmental health continues to inspire and drive advancements in these critical fields, ensuring a healthier future for coming generations.