Vet varsity hosts international conference on ‘One Health’

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, witnessed the inauguration of the International Symposium on “Advancing One Health: Concept to Action for Promoting Human, Animal and Environmental Health” and the XXI Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Veterinary Public Health Specialists (IAVPHS).

The event drew more than 200 delegates from across India and abroad, including scientists, clinicians, academicians, policymakers, and students. Dr JS Bedi, organising secretary, welcomed the delegates and highlighted the scientific themes of the two-day symposium. Dr Bedi said that the overwhelming participation reflected nationwide commitment to advancing One Health research and action.

The ceremony opened with the presidential address by Dr JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor and president, IAVPHS. Dr Gill emphasised the growing importance of One Health in addressing emerging zoonotic threats, antimicrobial resistance, climate-linked risks, and food safety challenges. Dr Gill highlighted the varsity’s leadership in interdisciplinary research and capacity building, calling the symposium a timely platform to accelerate India’s One Health implementation.

Prof Gurpreet Singh Wander, Principal, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital (DMCH), highlighted the critical role of medical-veterinary partnerships in timely detection and response to zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance challenges. Prof Rajeev Sood, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), stressed the urgency of building cross-sectoral capacities, joint training programmes, and shared data systems to strengthen national preparedness.

Dr Tarun Shridhar, former Secretary, Government of India, delivered a keynote on national policy alignment and the importance of integrating One Health into governance frameworks. Dr RJ Zende, General Secretary, IAVPHS, presented the association’s annual report, outlining major achievements and initiatives aimed at strengthening veterinary public health across India.

An MoU was also signed between AIIMS Bathinda and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The ceremony also featured the release of the souvenir-cum-compendium and presentation of the IAVPHS awards.