Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the zoonotic vector borne diseases Research and Training centre at Indian Institute of Public Health, Pasteur Hill Shillong .- the first in the North East.
The launch was also a part of a seminar on One Health.
Speaking at the launch event, the Chief Minister said that the seminar precisely focuses on a holistic and collaborative approach which is the need of the hour, and key to addressing not only health, but all developmental challenges.
One Health is a multisectoral and collaborative transdisciplinary approach that recognises and emphasises the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health.
Appreciating the contribution of IIPHS in the research space, the chief minister said that steps would be taken to grant a university status to the institute, and urged the young research scholars to actively integrate research with innovative technological tools.
Health Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the importance of research in policy drafting and implementation. She recalled how a 2023 study conducted by IIPHS on WaSH practices amongst 220 women street vendors of Iewduh revealed how 32 per cent of them had contacted Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
Based on the findings by IIPH, the minister said that she would soon initiate steps to construct toilets next to the vendor zones, starting from her constituency.
Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Sampath Kumar informed that the state is implementing a housing mission under PMAY, keeping in mind the One Health approach, that is the interrelationship and interdependence between human, animals and the environment. He said that the State has been adopting research driven policy interventions to address critical issues by building state capability, and using the state capability enhancement project framework.
Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Joram Beda, Director of Indian Institute of Public Health Prof. Sandra Albert and others were present at the programme.
