Tamil Nadu has established a ‘One Health and Climate Change Strategic Committee’ to address health challenges posed by climate change and zoonotic diseases, integrating efforts across human, animal, and environmental health
In response to increasing climate extremes and zoonotic spillovers, Tamil Nadu has launched a 23-member 'One Health and Climate Change Strategic Committee' to tackle health challenges. Environment Secretary P Senthilkumar, who will also serve as the committee's convenor, issued the government order constituting the group. The Chief Secretary will lead the committee, which includes top officials from health, agriculture, animal husbandry, wildlife, and environmental agencies, along with experts from various fields.
The 'One Health' approach aims to integrate human, animal, and environmental health into a cohesive strategy. Senthilkumar emphasized that the committee will promote a comprehensive response to public health issues exacerbated by climate change, advocating for collaborative policies that safeguard all aspects of health.
The committee's mandate includes mapping existing surveillance programmes, accessing information on climate-mediated diseases, and developing systems for early outbreak detection.
Tamil Nadu's move aims to enhance climate resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate-related health impacts. During a recent TN Governing Council on Climate Change meeting, Chief Minister MK Stalin urged ministers to incorporate a climate change perspective into project implementation and highlighted the need for a 'One Health' approach. SupriyaSahu, Additional Chief Secretary, praised the initiative, noting that current surveillance data from various departments is not integrated holistically.
Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals and humans, include rabies, canicola fever, and Weil's disease. These diseases, caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi, can range from mild to severe and life-threatening.