About Dr Nilesh Deshpande
Dr Nilesh Deshpande is a public health specialist with over two decades of experience in adolescent and youth health, reproductive health, and program management across India and globally. He currently serves as the National Technical Specialist for Adolescent and Youth at UNFPA India, leading national initiatives and partnerships with government and UN agencies. Before this role, Dr Deshpande worked as State Programme Coordinator with UNFPA in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, and as a Research Associate with the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Tanzania. Dr Deshpande holds a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, an MBA in Health Research Management, and an MBBS degree. He has authored several studies and evaluations on reproductive health, health systems, and adolescent programmes for UNFPA, USAID, and national health missions. With extensive experience spanning grassroots programme implementation to national policy advocacy, Dr Deshpande brings a strong perspective on advancing youth leadership, health, and rights in India and beyond.