CENTER for ONE HEALTH EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESEARCH and TRAINING

One Health concept is based on the understanding that the health of the humans, animals and the environment is inextricably linked, and that promoting the well being of all species can only be achieved through a holistic multidisciplinary approach at the human-animal-ecosystems interface. Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) has taken a pioneer step in this regard following the establishment of the Centre for One Health Education Advocacy Research and Training, the first of its kind in India aiming at the sustained health of the community by addressing various issue of concern today like the food safety and security, zoonoses, diseases from natural origins like soil, water and air. This innovative endeavor is built upon by roping in the emerging concept of One Health and disseminating this concept to the stakeholders involved through various educational means. WHO, OIE, FAO and the UN organizations have in various ways highlighted the alarming dangers that could affect health of humans and animals, and the interdependency of health between humans, plants and animals. These organizations have strongly endorsed the concept of One Health which in a simple manner means, we do not simply exist, but co-exist.

Considering this global initiative KVASU was the first to initiate and advocate One Health through a centre called “Centre for One Health Education Advocacy Research and Training” (acronym COHEART). The formation of the centre itself gives a message on the efforts of most, if not all, disciplines, departments or agencies involved in public service to attain “Optimal health for people, animals and the environment”. The Centre has emerged as a need for Institutional responsibility of bringing in different dimensions for the welfare of society which was acknowledged by Dr. Gyanendra Gongal. Dr. Gongal, Scientist of World Health Organization, has appreciated the pioneer effort of University in establishing an institution addressing the future of humanity. Shaping innovative ideas in challenging health issues and communicating them effectively will be the priorities of this center in the years ahead and KVASU will serve society’s changing health needs. We are building the future health project in present. Here, it is not the overlap of disciplines that is explored, but one holistic approach entangling the diverse aspects of each discipline is concentrated.

Foreseeing the co- existence of Human and Animals and in line with this global requirement, the veterinary university has taken the decision to start 2 new courses viz., PG Certificate and PG Diploma in One Health. This is the first of its kind in the country. The centre also plans to focus on cutting edge research using One health tool in collaboration with varied Departments both nationally and globally. The University will soon enter into a co-operative agreement with One Health Centre for Excellence, University of Florida. All the research will focus on the prevention of risks and the mitigation of effects of crises that originate at the interface between humans, animals and their various environments. The research program will be designed to bridge the gap between various areas of animal, plant and human health to improve the wellbeing of all species.

Source: http://coheart.ac.in/