Kerala Government Emphasizes ‘One Health’ Approach for Comprehensive Public Health Solutions
In a concerted effort to bolster public health strategies, the Kerala Government has underscored the pivotal role of the ‘One Health’ approach. This collaborative framework integrates human health, animal health, and environmental health sectors to tackle public health challenges comprehensively.
Speaking at a program in Thiruvananthapuram, Health Minister Veena George highlighted the significance of this approach, particularly in the context of recent outbreaks like Nipah and COVID-19. The minister emphasized that Kerala has taken decisive steps to implement the One Health strategy, including the establishment of dedicated institutes and centers in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
Furthermore, the government has trained a substantial number of volunteers to facilitate effective communication and cooperation among various stakeholders, including government bodies and local communities across the state.
“The concept of One Health has gained prominence, especially since the outbreaks of Nipah and COVID-19,” Minister George stated. She inaugurated the concluding session of the Trivandrum Management Association’s annual event, TRIMA, underscoring the government’s commitment to this integrated approach.
Acknowledging the critical importance of One Health, the state government has revised its health policy and enacted a public health act, as reported by TRIMA. Minister George highlighted the formation of local-level teams comprising health department officials, water authority representatives, pollution control board members, and animal husbandry experts, chaired by the panchayat president. These teams aim to swiftly identify and respond to outbreaks, ensuring vigilant monitoring and localized intervention.
Minister George stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts across departments to effectively combat infectious diseases. She expressed optimism regarding ongoing studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the Nipah virus spillover process, anticipating crucial findings this year.
Highlighting current health challenges, Minister George noted concerns such as dengue, chikungunya, and recent avian flu cases in Alappuzha and Kottayam. While the avian flu has not affected humans in Kerala, global cases have affected 800 individuals, underlining the potential risks associated with such outbreaks.
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“The state health department remains vigilant, closely monitoring the situation to prevent potential transmission to humans,” Minister George affirmed.
The Kerala Government’s proactive adoption of the One Health approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health through integrated, collaborative strategies.
