India One Health School Program 2026 Trains Young One Health ambassadors in Gandhinagar

GANDHINAGAR, India, July 2026 — The One Health Network of India (OHNI) and the Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD) at the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), with support from Chevron and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), launched the India One Health School Program (IOHSP) 2026 on July 20 in Gandhinagar.

The five-day residential program ran from July 20 to 24 and brought together 34 postgraduate students from different disciplines and institutions across India. It gave participants a shared platform to build their understanding of the One Health approach, which looks at human, animal, and environmental health together.

The program opened with a panel discussion, "From Policy to Practice: Advancing One Health Across Sectors and Nations." Sessions throughout the week covered policy, surveillance, communication, and community engagement, and combined expert talks, case studies, field visits, and group activities. The aim was to help participants apply what they learned to real health challenges that cross sectors.

A key highlight of IOHSP 2026 was learning from peers. Students from different academic and professional backgrounds worked together throughout the program, enabling participants from different academic and professional backgrounds to learn from one another and understand the importance of breaking traditional sectoral boundaries.

The program also introduced participants to the concept of peer-led One Health education, preparing them to take the learning back to their respective institutions and communities. Through this cascade approach, the One Health Ambassadors are expected to engage and train a much larger network of students, contributing to the expansion of One Health awareness and capacity across India.

“IOHSP brings together young professionals from diverse disciplines to learn, collaborate, and champion the One Health approach. We are proud to nurture these One Health Ambassadors as they carry this learning forward to their institutions and communities. ”- Dr. Deepak B. Saxena, Director, IIPHG.

IOHSP reflects Chevron and SEAOHUN's support for One Health education and leadership development in the region. By bringing together academia, government, industry, and regional networks, the program aims to build a sustained platform for collaboration among the next generation of One Health professionals.