JAMMU, APRIL 30: The Third Contact Session of the Sector Connect Training Program on Field Epidemiology in One Health (FEPOH) concluded successfully in Jammu today.
In this final contact session, district teams from across the Jammu division presented their field assignments, showcasing practical applications of the One Health approach and highlighting key observations, challenges, and solutions from their respective sectors. The event also featured cross-sectoral talks that enriched interdepartmental understanding and emphasized collaborative disease surveillance and response strategies.
The event brought together experts from the Health, Animal Husbandry, Wildlife, and Food Safety departments, marking the culmination of a significant phase in building cross-sectoral capacity for integrated public health response.
Organized in collaboration with State Surveillance Unit of the Directorate of Health Services Jammu, the program, a collaborative initiative of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), sought to fortify integrated public health response through the transformative One Health approach. The training aimed to further enhance the ability of field-level professionals to address complex public health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface.
The valedictory session was attended by Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, Director Health Services Jammu; Dr. Poonam Sethi, Deputy Director Schemes; Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Deputy Director Dentistry; Madan Lal Magotra, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety and Dr. Anil Kumar, Principal Advisor, NCDC New Delhi.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Harjeet Rai, State Surveillance Officer Jammu, who extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, mentors, and participants. He appreciated the commitment of all departments involved and highlighted the relevance of continued inter-sectoral coordination in preventing and controlling zoonotic and other emerging public health threats.
The Director Health Services Jammu, in his address, commended the sustained efforts of the organizing team and the active participation from all sectors. He emphasized the importance of strengthening district-level surveillance systems
Principal Advisor NCDC Dr. Anil Kumar commended the efforts of the Directorate and the participants for their enthusiasm and active field engagement. He emphasized that One Health is not a concept but a necessity, especially in the face of growing global health threats. He encouraged participants to take the knowledge and collaboration fostered during the training into their fieldwork and policymaking to build a resilient and responsive health infrastructure.
Later, certificates of participation were awarded to all trainees and mentors, acknowledging their dedication and active engagement throughout the training program.
The Sector Connect program has played a vital role in fostering a culture of collaboration among Health, Animal Husbandry, Food Safety, and Wildlife departments, thereby laying a strong foundation for integrated public health action in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
The State Surveillance Unit, Jammu extends heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders, resource persons, and participants for their commitment to advancing the One Health agenda, and looks forward to continued efforts toward resilient and responsive health systems.
