Mallika Biddappa, Lead for Knowledge Management at Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), brings over 18 years of experience in public health and development. With expertise in knowledge management, results delivery, and social behavior change, Mallika has played a pivotal role in shaping KHPT’s strategies for maternal and child health, tuberculosis, adolescent health, and primary care. Her leadership has been instrumental in KHPT’s growth, driving impactful programs that have improved health outcomes across several states in India, Mallika holds a PhD in Development Studies and a Master’s in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Her academic foundation and practical experience have enabled her to design innovative models that integrate community-centered approaches with evidence-based practices. She has led efforts to reduce neonatal mortality, improve TB care through community engagement, and empower adolescent girls with health and education resources. Under her guidance, KHPT has developed models that are now recognized as national best practices and have been adopted by the Government of India.

Throughout her career, Mallika has been dedicated to addressing health inequities, with a focus on empowering the most vulnerable populations, including women and children in underserved communities. She has collaborated with major global health organizations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNDP, driving research and implementation projects that have had a transformative impact on public health systems.

As a Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellow, Mallika aims to leverage the fellowship to build international partnerships that can scale KHPT’s innovative models to other parts of the world. She envisions using this opportunity to strengthen KHPT’s position as a leader in health system transformation, ensuring that their models continue to drive sustainable and equitable health outcomes.