The Department of Global Public Health Policy and Governance (GPHPG) at Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in collaboration with the District Health and Family Welfare Services of Udupi, successfully launched the Online Microcredential on One Health Approach for Health System Preparedness through the MAHE Online Portal (Directorate of Online Education). The initiative is supported by the DA Prasanna Endowment Seed Grant which was led by Dr Navya Vyas, Associate Professor, Department of Global Public Health Policy and Governance, PSPH. The modules are designed to provide medical officers, veterinary doctors and Rapid Response team members at the district level with essential knowledge to detect and prevent zoonotic diseases in the field through a collaborative approach along with case scenarios for better comprehension. The event took place at the District Magistrate Office, Manipal.

Dr. K. Vidyakumari, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Udupi district and  Shri Prateek Bayal, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath officially launched the program. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vidyakumari highlighted the importance of health system strengthening and emphasised the significance of the collaboration between public and private sector. Shri Prateek Bayal emphasised the significance of one health in the backdrop of emergence of zoonotic diseases.

Other dignitaries who attended the event were Dr. Prashant Bhat, District Vector borne Disease Control Officer, Udupi district who emphasized the significance of intersectoral coordination in disease prevention and response. Other esteemed speakers included Dr. Nagaratna, District Surveillance Officer, Udupi district and  Dr. Redappa, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS), Udupi district who appreciated the initiative of PSPH and Dr. Manojkumar Nagasampige, Director of the Directorate of Online Education, MAHE, who provided insights into the digital learning opportunities facilitated by the new course. The event was also attended by faculty of PSPH and KMC, Manipal.

The successful collaboration between PSPH and District Health and Family Welfare Services, Udupi had been possible due to the immense support provided by Dr Nagabhushan Udupa, District Health and Family Welfare Officer, Udupi district and Dr Cherian Varghese, Director, PSPH, MAHE, Manipal. This marks a significant step towards strengthening health system resilience and fostering a holistic approach for disease prevention and control in Udupi.