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

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.