Kerala govt gives priority to 'One Health' initiative for improving public health: Minister Veena George

The Kerala government considers 'One Health' a vital collaborative effort for enhancing public health, said State Health Minister Veena George.

She was speaking at the inauguration of the concluding session of the Trivandrum Management Association's annual event, TRIMA.

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.

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.

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. (ANI)