Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Nagaland officials kicked off the first Sector Connect training in the Northeast on Wednesday. The three-day session at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur focuses on the One Health approach. This strategy links human, animal, and environmental safety. The National Centre for Disease Control and the state health department organized the event.
Global health data is grim. Roughly 60 percent of infectious diseases come from animals. Zoonotic threats cause 2.5 billion illnesses annually. These pathogens kill 2.7 million people every year. Experts say siloed efforts fail.
NCDC joint director Dr. Sanket Kulkarni opened the session. He argued that controlling outbreaks like diarrhoea or typhoid requires more than just doctors. He stated, "disease prevention and outbreak control required collaboration beyond the human health sector, as many diseases were linked to environmental conditions, animal health, contaminated water and unsafe food."
The initiative started in 2023. It uses a three-month on-the-job format. Trainees complete monthly classroom sessions plus field assignments. They will master epidemiological surveillance, data analysis, and risk communication. Participants use software like QGIS to map and interpret data. The goal is to fortify District Joint Outbreak Response Teams.
Dr. Girish Patel from ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun highlighted the local risk. Nagaland has high biodiversity and deep human-animal contact. He urged departments to share data and upgrade local labs. He also warned against the misuse of antibiotics. Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, confirmed the state is already tracking diseases like rabies, anthrax, and swine influenza. Other pathogens under watch include Japanese encephalitis, Nipah virus, and Brucella.
Dr. Nyanthung Kikon opened the event. Dr. Lawrence closed with the vote of thanks. Staff from health, veterinary, food safety, and forestry agencies attended the training.
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