News Release: India Launches First-Ever Summer One Health School Program

Empowering Youth with Knowledge on the One Health Approach

On 2nd May 2025, the Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), India’s first ever Summer One Health School Program, has been launched to foster youth leadership in One Health. This first-of-its-kind initiative is a joint effort by the One Health Network of India (OHNI) & the Centre for One Health, Education, Research, and Development (COHERD) at the IIPHG, with unwavering support from Chevron and Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN).

The program was launched in the esteemed presence of Chief Guest, Shri S. J. Haider, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Government of Gujarat, and Prof (Dr) Sanjay Zodpey, President Public Health Foundation of India, who appreciated the institute’s efforts in promoting transdisciplinary learning and empowering future public health leaders.

This innovative program aims to promote awareness of the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Through this initiative, 50 students from 10 academic institutions across human health, veterinary science, agriculture, and environmental science sectors will be trained as One Health Ambassadors. These ambassadors are expected to share their knowledge and promote One Health awareness among peers within their institutions and communities, potentially reaching up to 2,500 individuals.

“With this unique program, we aim to build the future generation of One Health deeply rooted in the school and university education across the disciplines”, said Dr. Sandul Yasobant, Program Lead and Assistant Professor at IIPHG. The Director of IIPHG envisioned, “Congratulations to the entire team behind the Summer One Health School Program. This initiative will not only strengthen One Health education in India but also inspire young minds to work together for a healthier future.”

This unique program is designed to help students understand the principles and significance of the One Health approach, foster a national network of youth leaders from different sectors, and prepare them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to respond to future health challenges.