Sri Vijaya Puram, July 7: Amid continuing public health concerns over leptospirosis, commonly known as “Andaman fever,” the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) conducted a school-based awareness programme to strengthen understanding of zoonotic diseases and promote preventive health practices among students as part of World Zoonoses Day 2026.
The orientation programme was organised by the Department of Community Medicine, ANIIMS, at Government Senior Secondary School, Haddo under the National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (NOHP-PCZ) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The initiative focused on zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, and highlighted their continued public health significance in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where leptospirosis remains an endemic disease. Commonly referred to as “Andaman fever,” the disease continues to pose a significant health challenge in the Islands.
According to ANIIMS, the institute serves as one of the Sentinel Surveillance Sites for Zoonoses under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Government of India, supporting surveillance and public health efforts for zoonotic diseases.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of ANIIMS Director Mukesh Tripathi and was conceptualised by Ajay Raj, Samar Hossain, Aanchal Anand, Mitul Saha, Pooja and intern doctors associated with the institute.
During the awareness session, students were sensitised to the causes of zoonotic diseases, methods of prevention and the importance of coordinated action between the human, animal and environmental health sectors under the One Health approach.
Interactive sessions focused on practical preventive measures, including maintaining hand hygiene, practising responsible pet ownership, preventing animal bites, following safe food practices and ensuring timely vaccination of livestock and pets to reduce the risk of zoonotic infections.
As part of the programme, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed among students to reinforce awareness messages and encourage the adoption of preventive health practices.
The awareness initiative forms part of the National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, which promotes collaboration across multiple sectors to strengthen preparedness and response against diseases transmitted between animals and humans.
ANIIMS stated that the Department of Community Medicine remains committed to enhancing community awareness on zoonotic diseases and advancing the One Health approach across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The institute said continued public awareness remains essential for preventing and controlling endemic diseases such as leptospirosis while strengthening public health preparedness in the Islands.
