Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, has named Chandrashekar V.S. as the new director of Americares India. In his capacity, he will be responsible for devising, executing, and overseeing health programs aimed at fortifying health systems and broadening access to care for individuals impacted by poverty or calamities across 23 states in India.
Chandrashekar will take the lead in response efforts, supervise climate and disaster resilience endeavors, administer a highly effective mobile clinic initiative for economically disadvantaged urban residents, and manage a comprehensive health facility enhancement initiative. Additionally, he will be in charge of overseeing the operations of the Americares India distribution center, as per a press release.
Christine Squires, President and CEO of Americares, expressed enthusiasm about Chandrashekar’s appointment, emphasizing his extensive experience in managing health programs across India and East Africa, which she believes will be invaluable in the organization’s efforts to enhance access to quality health services in India.
Before joining Americares India, Chandrashekar spent over ten years at MSI Reproductive Choices, a global nonprofit and a leading provider of reproductive health care. His professional journey also includes holding senior leadership positions at The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Population Services International, Ipas India, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.
Since its inception in 2006, Americares India has been supporting health services for families affected by poverty, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. The organization operates 13 mobile health centers, catering to over 130,000 individuals annually, and conducts screenings for diabetes and hypertension for more than 125,000 patients each year through its noncommunicable disease program. It also manages a successful school-based health initiative in over 175 schools.
Chandrashekar has a master’s degree in rural management from the Institute of Rural Management Anand and a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Mysore’s SDM College of Business Management. He is proficient in English, Hindi, and Kannada, and conversant in Malayalam, Tamil, and Tulu. He resides in Mumbai with his wife, Sudha.
