A high level event on One Health Initiative held in Chitwan to tackle Zoonotic Diseases

Chitwan, Nepal– In a concerted effort to address the growing threat of zoonotic diseases, a high level event was recently convened in Chitwan, Nepal. The gathering, spearheaded by the American Embassy, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Center for Molecular Dynamics, in collaboration with Chitwan National Park, focused on the vital One Health concept, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Lee Cohnstaedt, a research epidemiologist at The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), emphasized the crucial role of community involvement in combating public health challenges. “We’re here to solve the problem,” Cohnstaedt stated, urging citizens to actively participate in addressing diseases that often originate in wild animals.

The event shed light on Nepal’s susceptibility to zoonotic diseases, which pose a significant threat to public health. Dr. Vijay Kumar Shrestha, a senior veterinarian at the Chitwan National Park, underscored the prevalence of zoonotic diseases, revealing that “60 percent of the diseases found in humans have roots in the animal kingdom.”

The resurgence of diseases like dengue fever in the region prompted urgent action. Dinesh Rupakheti, Chief of the District Public Health Office in Chitwan, highlighted the need for proactive measures such as environmental management and education to curb the spread of insect-borne diseases.

Moreover, the event spotlighted the broader impacts of climate change and development on disease prevalence, with cases of tuberculosis reported in both humans and animals, including elephants. This underscores the necessity of a comprehensive health monitoring system that encompasses wildlife health.

The program in Chitwan highlighted a significant stride in the global fight against zoonotic diseases, emphasizing the importance of the One Health approach. By recognizing the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health, Nepal is at the forefront of developing strategies to prevent and mitigate the risks of future health crises.