OHNI 2025 Summer One Health School Program: Empowering One Health Young Leaders

Gandhinagar, July 14, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), in collaboration with the One Health Network of India (OHNI) and COHERD, with support from Chevron and the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), inaugurated the OHNI 2025 Summer One Health School Program, advancing its mission to empower young leaders to champion One Health across India.

This week-long residential training program brings together 51 students from 10 academic institutions across the country, immersing them in intensive learning experiences, field visits, and interactive workshops that bridge human, animal, and environmental health.

The inauguration was graced by Shri D. D. Jadeja, IAS, Mission Director, Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM), who emphasized the critical role of cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing emerging health challenges. Keynote speakers included Prof. (Dr.) Deepak B. Saxena, Director, IIPHG; Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director, SEAOHUN; Dr. Guru Rajesh Jammy, Health Specialist, World Bank Group; Ms. Mamata Borthakur, Head of Corporate Affairs, Chevron India; Dr. Renuka Desai, Deputy Director of Ecological Education, GEER Foundation; and Dr. J. M. Katira, Deputy Director, Epidemic Cell, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat.

A panel discussion, “Beyond Boundaries: Sectoral Synergies for One Health,” moderated by Dr. S. Yasobant, OHNI Lead and Assistant Professor at IIPHG, featured experts from environmental, veterinary, clinical, and media sectors, underscoring practical approaches for fostering collaboration in addressing complex health issues.

Throughout the program, students will engage in expert-led sessions, field visits, and teamwork-based activities, preparing them to conduct peer-led workshops upon returning to their institutions. Collectively, these young leaders are expected to share One Health knowledge to over 2,500 youth across India, strengthening pandemic preparedness and community-level awareness.

“We have envisioned the future of India’s One Health in young minds” said Dr. Deepak B. Saxena, Director, IIPHG.

“This program is not just an event, but the beginning of a journey to transform how India’s youth engage with complex health challenges” added Dr. S. Yasobant, OHNI Lead.

Chevron, supporting the program as part of its commitment to empowering communities, highlighted the significance of investing in young leaders.

“The launch of the OHNI Summer One Health School Program demonstrates how our social investments seek to respond to needs in the communities where we operate. By working with governments, nonprofits, universities and other One Health stakeholders, we aim to strengthen communities so they can tackle some of the complex health challenges of our time" said Ms. Mamata Borthakur, Head of Corporate Affairs Chevron India.

SEAOHUN Executive Director, Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam emphasized the value of regional collaboration:

“SEAOHUN is inspired to witness the growing momentum of collaborative effort across our network to strengthen One Health capacity among future workforces. By empowering young leaders, we are cultivating a new generation equipped to tackle health challenges not only within their communities but also across the region,” Dr. Meeyam shared.

The OHNI 2025 Summer One Health School Program showcases the power of collaboration between academia, the private sector, and regional networks in nurturing young leaders who will advance One Health solutions, contributing to a healthier, safer, and more resilient India.