Category: Events and Blogs

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.

Dr. Rakesh Kakkar, Professor and Head of Community and Family Medicine at AIIMS Bathinda led a virtual session on the importance of a comprehensive environmental surveillance system to combat zoonotic diseases. He emphasized inter-sectoral collaboration, capacity building, and communication as key strategies to control the spread of diseases, including emerging infectious threats.

Dr Kakkar also discussed the health risks posed by heavy metals and air pollution, highlighting the need for early warning systems and flexible protocols. By integrating technology, governance, and capacity building, we can create a flexible system ready to tackle novel pathogens and health crises.

In conversation with Dr. Varsha Shridhar, Chief Enabling Officer and Co-founder of Molecular Solutions Care Health, we explored how a collaborative mindset and environmental surveillance can transform our approach to AMR, offering solutions that engage communities, bridge data gaps, and drive meaningful change in healthcare and beyond.

With respect to collaboratives, she shares that just as workers in a union collectively hold more power, a nationwide alliance like the Indian Alliance for Public Health Preparedness (IAPHP) possesses significant political and social capital. Read the full interview

IAPHP hosted a public talk titled ‘A Primer on Public Health Preparedness’ by Alliance Member Dr. JVR Prasada Rao, Former Union Health Secretary, Government of India and Former United Nations Secretary-General Special Envoy on AIDS in Asia Pacific. Dr. Rao discussed the key stages of public health preparedness, the role of community engagement, and building partnerships with the government.

The talk highlighted the benefits of community participation in helping extend the reach of government programmes to the last mile and the resilience that vulnerable populations can develop over time. Watch the complete event

Dr David Larsen is the Associate Professor of Public Health at the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University. He’s a distinguished epidemiologist with a PhD and MPH from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Public Health at the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University. He’s a distinguished epidemiologist with a PhD and MPH from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. His extensive expertise in large data analysis and spatial statistics, focusing on global health issues such as mosquito-borne illnesses, mHealth, and sanitation made for an insightful conversation on the use of environmental surveillance (ES). His interview covers considerations in designing programs to ensure health equity for communities and the role of surveillance in identifying health equities.  Read the full interview