World Zoonoses Day observed in Kohima, other districts 

DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the world, the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare observed World Zoonoses Day on Monday at the directorate’s IDSP hall.

State epidemiologist Dr. Limasenla Lemtur, who chaired the event, emphasised that the gathering aimed to raise awareness, combat, and reflect on zoonotic diseases, as well as to collaborate on protecting public health, a DIPR report stated.

Principal Director of H&FW, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, in her keynote address, shared the importance of ‘one health’ approach, which takes into consideration that human, animals, plants and broader ecosystem co-exist in a delicate interdependent manner.

She also talked about working in collaboration with other allied department to promote intensive awareness and prevention.

A PowerPoint presentation on the current scenario in Nagaland was presented by Dr. Nounengulie Kire, consultant/ public health specialist.

During the interactive session, Dr. Amenla Walling, Joint Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department, mentioned that the department has traditionally focused more on clinical aspects than prevention.

She also highlighted about how zoonoses disease can create havoc if not treated or prevented on time. Dr, Walling stressed on the need for collaboration and coordination with the Medical department to share data on the reports of dog bites.

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The programme was attended by officers from AH&V department, officers and staff of H&FW directorate.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Nounengulie Kire, consultant/ public health specialist.

Longleng: Health units across Longleng district marked World Zoonoses Day, focusing on awareness about zoonotic diseases that spread between animals and humans, as well as heat-related illnesses that pose major health risks during summer.

Awareness sessions were conducted by the respective medical officers (MOs), community health officers (CHOs), and health unit in-charges across the district, an update stated.

The sessions emphasised the importance of early detection, prevention, and control of zoonotic diseases, highlighting common risks, modes of transmission, and preventive measures such as personal hygiene, vaccination, and safe handling of animals.

Additionally, considering the rising temperatures, special focus was given to educating the public on the dangers of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Community members were advised on practical steps to stay safe and hydrated during extreme heat conditions.

“The observance reaffirmed the commitment of the Longleng district Health department towards strengthening public health awareness and promoting community engagement in preventing both infectious and environmental health threats,” it stated.

Tuensang: The Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Tuensang, in collaboration with Centre for One Health-NCDC, NOHP-PCZ, Sentinel Surveillance Site, BSL-2 Lab., District Hospital Tuensang, conducted awareness programme among the ANM students and health workers of District Hospital Tuensang.

Dr. Tochi Chang, Nodal Officer, NOHP-PCZ, who spoke on the day’s theme, highlighted the significance of the celebration and also the ongoing NOHP-PCZ project in Tuensang.

Dr. Mohan Sharma, Microbiologist of the BSL-2 Laboratory, briefed about the different priority zoonotic diseases and the available tests in the facility. Dr. Aojongshi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, delivered a lecture on some the deadly zoonotic disease, including rabies, brucellosis, and salmonellosis.

The theme talk session was followed by poster competition among the student nurses on different topics related to zoonoses symptoms, control and preventive measures.