Health Minister Mehta Emphasizes 'One Health' Approach for Human and Environmental Safety

Kathmandu. Minister of Health and Population, Nisha Mehta, has stated that the health of nature and animals must be prioritized equally to ensure human health. Addressing a program organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of World Health Day, she emphasized that strengthening the 'One Health' concept is the primary necessity at present.

She argued that humans cannot remain fully healthy unless nature is protected and animals remain healthy. Minister Mehta expressed concern over the new and complex challenges in the health sector arising from the increasing proximity between humans and animals.

She noted that the risk of fatal diseases transmitted from animals, such as rabies, vector-borne diseases spread due to climate change, and non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke caused by environmental pollution, is increasing. She stated that solutions to these problems are only possible through mutual collaboration between public health, agriculture, animal husbandry, and environmental sectors.

Speaking at the event, Minister Mehta also warned about the crisis of 'Antimicrobial Resistance' caused by the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs. She emphasized that all stakeholders must unite to control this, as excessive use of medication in both humans and animals could lead to a major health crisis in the future. Informing that the government has been implementing the 'National One Health Strategy' since 2019, she pledged to make the disease surveillance system more modern and robust in the coming days.

Mehta mentioned that since Nepal is an agricultural country where a large population depends on animal husbandry, the interconnection between humans and the environment must be even stronger. She advised citizens to focus more on disease prevention rather than treatment. She urged everyone to pay special attention to hygiene, ensure mandatory vaccination for pets, and avoid using antimicrobial drugs without medical advice.

This year, World Health Day was celebrated across the country with the slogan 'Well-being of humans, animals, and the environment, science and One Health is our victory'.