Sri Vijaya Puram, July 6: As part of observance of World Zoonoses Day 2026, the Department of Community Medicine, ANIIMS, under the National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (NOHP-PCZ), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India organized an orientation programme on Zoonotic Diseases at Government Senior Secondary School, Haddo. The programme is particularly relevant to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Leptospirosis, an endemic zoonotic disease also referred to as ‘Andaman fever’ continues to pose a significant public health challenge. ANIIMS is one of the Sentinel Surveillance Sites for Zoonoses under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Government of India. Under the guidance of Dr. Mukesh Tripathi, Director, ANIIMS, the programme was conceptualized by Dr. Ajay Raj, Dr. Samar Hossain, Dr. Aanchal Anand, Dr. Mitul Saha, Ms. Pooja and young budding intern doctors.
During the programme, school students were sensitized on zoonotic diseases, their prevention and the importance of collaboration between human, animal and environmental health sectors. Interactive sessions highlighted the importance of hand hygiene, responsible pet ownership, prevention of animal bites, safe food practices, and timely vaccination of livestock and pets in reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and IEC materials were also distributed in the school. The Department of Community Medicine, ANIIMS remains committed to strengthening community awareness and promoting the One Health approach for the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases in the islands.
