The Interconnected Health Approach
The One Health concept, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial for global well-being. Kerala, with its unique demographic and ecological characteristics, faces heightened vulnerability to zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.
Factors such as dense population, extensive forests leading to increased human-animal interactions, high international travel, an aging population, and prevalent non-communicable diseases contribute to this vulnerability.
Recent outbreaks of Nipah virus, H1N1, Kyasanur Forest Disease, Chikungunya, Dengue, Leptospirosis, and the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the urgency for a comprehensive approach.
Kerala's Pioneering Initiative
The Government of Kerala has launched the One Health (OH) Programme, a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary initiative. Launched by the Hon. Chief Minister, Sri. Pinarayi Vijayan on May 17, 2022, as part of the Navakeralam Karma Padhathi- 2, Kerala is a pioneer in implementing this program in India.
Initially, the program is being implemented in four Pamba basin districts - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki - under the Rebuild Kerala Initiative (RKI), with plans for statewide expansion.
Governance Structure
The Department of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) serves as the nodal department for the One Health Programme, with the Centre for One Health - Kerala (COH-K) managing state-level coordination under the oversight of the Director of Health Services (DHS). Implementation is supported by the State Programme Management Unit (SPMU) at COH-K and District Programme Support Units (DPSUs) in each district, while the Public Health Division of the Health Department monitors progress across all initiatives.
The One Health Programme in Kerala signifies a strong commitment to ensuring the healthy living of its people and Kerala is setting a benchmark for proactive and integrated public health initiatives in India.
