The Department of Community Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, today organised an Awareness Rally on “One Health” as part of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiative under the theme “One World, One Health – United for Human, Animal and Environmental Well-being.”
The rally was flagged off by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS, in the presence of Prof. L. Rajesh Singh, Dean (Academics), RIMS, and Dr. Shantibala K., Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine.
Participants, including students, faculty members, and staff of RIMS, walked the route covering the Department of Community Medicine – RIMS Road – MMS Gas – Sanakeithel – Lamphel CRPF – Lamphel Police Station – Lamphel Traffic Island – and back to RIMS, carrying placards and slogans to raise awareness about the “One Health” concept. The rally highlighted the vital interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health and the need for collaborative approaches to safeguard all three.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma noted that the observance of International One Health Day at RIMS involved active participation from faculty, staff, and students of the Departments of Forensic and Community Medicine. He spoke on the significance of the “One Health” approach, which acknowledges that the health of people is closely linked to the health of animals and the environment.
Prof. Sharma also mentioned ongoing efforts to make the RIMS campus plastic-free, urging students to avoid plastic usage, maintain cleanliness, and report stagnant water to prevent vector-borne diseases.
The rally and associated activities reaffirmed RIMS Imphal’s commitment to promoting community health, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable initiatives that aim to improve the overall well-being of people, animals, and the environment.