World Zoonoses Day: Awareness on animal-human disease transmission

Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), along with district-level health units, observed World Zoonoses Day across Nagaland on July 7, highlighting the importance of the One Health approach in tackling diseases transmitted between animals and humans.
At the state level, the programme was held at the IDSP Hall, DHFW, Kohima, with Health & Family Welfare principal director, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, delivering the keynote address. She emphasized the interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and called for collaboration among allied departments to raise awareness and improve prevention of zoonotic diseases.
During the interactive session, Joint Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Dr. Amenla Walling, noted that the department has focused more on clinical treatment and called for preventive efforts, especially data-sharing on dog bite cases with the Medical Department.
State Epidemiologist, Dr. Limasenla Lemtur chaired the programme and stressed awareness and inter-departmental coordination. Consultant and Public Health Specialist, Dr. Nounengulie Kire, presented the current zoonotic disease status in the state and delivered the vote of thanks.
Meanwhile, in Tuensang, the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), under the National Rabies Control Programme, also marked the day at the District Hospital Conference Hall. The event was organised in collaboration with the Centre for One Health-NCDC, NOHP-PCZ, and the BSL-2 Lab, Tuensang.
The programme was chaired by Epidemiologist Dr. John Shupao, while Chaplain Kamchila led the invocation. Dr. Tochi Chang, Nodal Officer, NOHP-PCZ, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the project’s significance. Microbiologist Dr. Mohan Sharma briefed on lab testing facilities for priority diseases, and Dr. Aojongshi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, spoke about rabies and other fatal zoonotic diseases, stressing the need for vaccination.
A poster competition was also held among 24 student nurses in 12 groups, judged by a panel of medical experts. Certificates, trophies, and prizes were awarded to the top teams. The event concluded with refreshments and a vote of thanks.