On December 8th, the Child Health Research Foundation (CHRF) hosted a vibrant day-long series of stakeholder engagement activities in Mirzapur as part of the RESPIRE Photovoice Study. This event brought together fourteen dedicated members of CHRF’s Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Group and the Photovoice study team to reflect, honor, and share insights that bridge research with lived experiences.

We began the day with a heartfelt recognition of our PPI group members, celebrating their invaluable contributions in shaping research agendas that resonate with the needs of their community. Their relentless efforts have been a cornerstone in fostering meaningful connections between researchers and the people they serve.

A major highlight of the event was the discussion surrounding the powerful photographs shared by study participants. These images opened a window into the realities of living with chronic respiratory diseases, capturing concerns, perceptions, and the unique challenges of navigating social and environmental factors. Together with the PPI group, we explored how these visual narratives could deepen our understanding of community perspectives and amplify their voices.

Discussions with the PPI group also illuminated innovative strategies for fostering community co-ownership of research initiatives. Their insights reaffirmed the value of collaborative approaches and underscored the importance of engaging communities as equal partners in health research.

The day’s energy carried into an interactive and lively community engagement session in the afternoon. This event brought together 12–15 community members, who actively participated in disseminating the photo-driven stories. Sharing these narratives with the wider community sparked meaningful conversations about chronic respiratory diseases and highlighted the critical role of collective action in addressing health challenges.

The Mirzapur event was more than a milestone in the RESPIRE Photovoice Study—it was a testament to the power of stories, collaboration, and shared purpose. By honoring lived experiences and elevating community voices, CHRF continues to champion a vision of health research that is inclusive, impactful, and rooted in the needs of the people it serves.