Category: Events and Blogs

The session led by Kiran Kumar linked water security with WASH practices, public health, and sustainable livelihoods, highlighting that integrated approaches are essential for long-term community well-being.
Kiran’s presentation also drew attention to policy gaps and the need to protect rivers and traditional water bodies. The session also demonstrated how locally tailored water-conservation strategies, successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu, can be scaled and adapted across other regions through community-driven efforts.

The Green Health Alliance under IAPHP hosted a session with Dr. Bratindi Jena on how gram panchayats can drive climate action by becoming green panchayats. She emphasized empowering indigenous communities, protecting natural resources, and ensuring community-led decision-making through accountability and consent.

With examples like the Niyamgiri referendum and grassroots resistance to unsustainable mining, Dr. Jena highlighted that true resilience lies in local ownership, volunteerism, and collective responsibility.

The Indian Alliance for Public Health Preparedness (IAPHP), in collaboration with Swasti and Resolve to Save Lives, convened a session on “Implementing the 7-1-7 Target: From Detection to Response.” Amanda McClelland outlined how the framework—detect within 7 days, notify within 1 day, and respond within 7 days—has been adopted by more than 20 countries and engaged with by over 65 governments.
Case studies from South Sudan, Brazil, the United States, and Ethiopia demonstrated its adaptability across varied health system contexts.
The discussion emphasized the framework’s role in driving systems-level quality improvement, identifying vulnerabilities, and reducing outbreak impact through timely action.

The session brought together experts to discuss monsoon-related risks and preparedness strategies. Dr. Sivananda Pai (IMD) provided an overview of evolving monsoon patterns, noting early onset, delayed withdrawal, and regional rainfall variations. He also recommended the use of applications such as Mausam, Damini, and Meghdoot for localized forecasting. Dr. Nithyashree outlined key health precautions from the Monsoon Advisory. Dr. Ashlesh Rupani (AIIMS Jodhpur) highlighted the seasonal surge in communicable and mental health concerns and underscored the need for climate-resilient health systems. Ms. Gayatri Jagenathan presented adaptive measures from the textile sector to ensure worker safety, while Mr. Jimmy Nirmal emphasized the broader community impacts of flooding and the importance of investing in grassroots resilience.

In an engaging session organized by the Indian Alliance for Public Health Preparedness (IAPHP), the focus was on translating insights from the World Health Summit into actionable strategies for local health systems. Key themes included the urgent need for climate-informed health action, the value of collaborative surveillance grounded in trust and co-design, and the importance of integrating digital tools without losing sight of human-centered care. Speakers emphasized community agency, multi-sectoral partnerships, and the role of frontline workers in building resilient, equitable systems. The session reinforced the need to move beyond rhetoric toward practical, locally rooted solutions.

Moderated by Dr. Angela Chaudhuri (Swasti), the discussion highlighted real-world examples of how WWS is being deployed not just for COVID-19, but also for pathogens like typhoid, hepatitis, mpox, dengue, and others. Key presentations by Dr. Karin Haar (WHO SEARO) and Dr. Aruna Panda (Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance Innovations-India) showcased regional frameworks and predictive strategies rooted in environmental data.

Panelists included Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Dr. Dilip Abraham, Dr. Vincent Junxiong Pang, Patipat Susumpao, Dr Varsha Shridhar, and Eloise Todd. The panel emphasised that while much has been achieved, more can be done to institutionalise WWS, enhance data usability, and foster multisectoral partnerships.

The session brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders to engage in an interactive session on how India can move beyond siloed, reactive surveillance systems toward a collaborative model that is integrative, anticipatory, and inclusive. Using real-world health issues- avian influenza, dengue, heat-related illness, and air quality- participants identified key stakeholders, risks, and decision points.

The session emphasized inclusive partnerships, improved data sharing, clear action thresholds, and the central role of marginalized communities. Chaired by Dr. Masaya Kato and moderated by Dr. Angela Chaudhuri, the workshop showcased a transformative, people-centered vision for health surveillance.

Prof. Hirst highlighted how extreme heat poses serious risks to women’s health, particularly for pregnant women, increasing the likelihood of complications such as preterm birth and stillbirth.

She emphasized the need for gender-sensitive policies, community-driven education, early warning systems and localized adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable groups. The session also stressed the importance of expanding research on heat stress impacts across women’s life stages and investing in adaptation strategies to mitigate economic losses.

Watch the complete event here.

As part of the webinar, Dr Alka emphasized a comprehensive preparedness strategy, focusing on pre-season, in-season, and post-season interventions. Key measures include equipping ambulances and health facilities with essential cooling systems, medical supplies, and trained personnel to handle heat stroke and related conditions.

Dr. Pankaja expanded on the broader implications of climate change, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. The discussion also highlighted the economic and social impact of heatwaves, stressing the need for a sustainable, long-term strategy to protect lives and livelihoods.

Watch the complete event here.

In an engaging session hosted by the Indian Alliance for Public Health Preparedness, Dr. Sathiyanarayanan.S, Associate Professor at AIIMS Mangalagiri, shed light on the effects of climate change on public health. He highlighted eight major health risks, including heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and mental health impacts, emphasizing the need for robust adaptation strategies.

A key focus was on the One Health approach to tackle emerging infectious diseases, many of which are climate-sensitive. As we face increasing climate challenges, it is crucial to prioritize health systems strengthening and sustainable infrastructure for the future.

Watch the complete event here.