Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government Stresses Importance of 'One Health' Approach for Public Health Enhancement

State Health Minister Veena George emphasized the significance of a collaborative 'One Health' approach in bolstering public health efforts in Kerala at the conclusion of the Trivandrum Management Association's annual event, TRIMA.

According to an 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.

Also Read: Kerala placed on high alert as West Nile Virus cases identified in Kozhikode, Thrissur, Malappuram

Understanding the importance of One Health, the state government has revised its health policy, and a Public Health Act was passed by the legislative assembly last year.

"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 emphasized 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

• 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
• 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.

Also Read: Kerala to conduct surveillance study on Nipah virus: CM Pinarayi Vijayan