One Health approach in bolstering public health efforts in Kerala: Health Minister Veena George

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government stresses importance of 'One Health' Approach for Public Health Enhancement, said State Health Minister Veena George at the conclusion of the Trivandrum Management Association's annual event, TRIMA,

Minister Veena George underscored the significance of a collaborative 'One Health' approach in bolstering public health efforts in Kerala.

According to a ANI report,"Since the outbreaks of Nipah and COVID-19, the concept of One Health has gained attention. The state government has established a One Health Institute and centres in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. We have trained 2,50,000 volunteers to report and connect with government and local communities across Kerala," the minister said.

"We have established teams at the local level, including officers from the health department, water authority, pollution control board, and animal husbandry, with the panchayat president as the chairman. These committees will help quickly identify infection outbreaks and respond locally, ensuring close monitoring of the situation," she added.

She emphasised that only through the collaborative and collective efforts of various departments can the state effectively combat the threat of infectious diseases. She also expressed hope that ongoing studies by ICMR on the spillover process in Nipah would yield conclusions this year.

Highlighting major health challenges, she pointed out that dengue and chikungunya are significant concerns, along with the recent avian flu cases in Alappuzha and Kottayam. Although the avian flu has not affected humans in Kerala, globally, 800 people have been impacted. The flu could be disastrous if it transmits to humans, and the state health department is closely monitoring the situation, news agency ANI reported.

Notable speakers at the event included TP Sreenivasan, former Ambassador and Chairman of TRIMA, Air Marshal (Retd) IP Vipin, Co-chair of TRIMA, Dr. Ritu Singh Chauhan, National Professional Officer, IHR, WHO, C Padmakumar, President of TMA, and Wing Commander Ragashree D Nair, Secretary of TMA.

According to the World Health Organization, 'One Health' is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and the environment. It is particularly important to prevent, predict, detect, and respond to global health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic.