Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) took a pioneering role in celebrating World One Health Day, organizing a significant symposium that brought together experts from multiple disciplines. The event, held on November 3, emphasized the critical interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
University Leads One Health Initiative
The College of Veterinary Science at GADVASU served as the host for this important gathering, demonstrating the institution's commitment to the One Health concept. Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, inaugurated the symposium and set the tone for the day's discussions by highlighting the university's dedication to this integrated approach to health management.
Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, the Director of Extension Education at GADVASU, delivered the keynote address, providing valuable insights into how the One Health framework can address complex health challenges facing society today. His presentation underscored the practical applications of this approach in real-world scenarios.
Expert Panel Discusses Implementation Strategies
The symposium featured an impressive lineup of speakers from diverse medical and scientific backgrounds. Dr. Sandeep Singh, Senior Medical Officer at the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana, represented the human healthcare perspective, discussing the crucial links between animal and human diseases.
From the veterinary field, Dr. R.S. Sahota and Dr. H.S. Banga contributed their expertise, explaining how animal health directly impacts human populations and food security. Environmental concerns were addressed by Dr. M.S. Bhullar from the Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology at Punjab Agricultural University, who highlighted the environmental determinants of health.
The discussions revealed that approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, making the One Health approach not just beneficial but essential for global health security.
Building Collaborative Frameworks for Health Security
Participants at the symposium reached consensus on several key points regarding the implementation of One Health principles. The experts emphasized that successful disease prevention and control requires breaking down traditional silos between medical disciplines.
The gathering called for establishing regular communication channels between human healthcare providers, veterinary professionals, and environmental scientists. This collaborative framework would enable faster response to health threats and more effective prevention strategies.
Faculty members, scientists, and a large number of students attended the symposium, indicating growing recognition of One Health's importance among the next generation of healthcare professionals. The event successfully raised awareness about how integrated health approaches can better serve communities in Punjab and beyond.
GADVASU's initiative marks a significant step toward institutionalizing the One Health concept in the region's healthcare and educational systems, potentially serving as a model for other institutions across India.
