Pune – The Department of Community Medicine at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune inaugurated the One Health Awareness Campaign 2025 with an enthusiastic Awareness Walkathon held at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Alandi and Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC) Ajmera. The event marked the beginning of a month-long series of educational and outreach initiatives organized under the National One Health Mission (NOHM) Conclave 2025, a joint initiative of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The theme of the campaign, “One World, One Health – United for Human, Animal and Environmental Wellbeing,” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. It advocates for collaborative and sustainable actions to address critical global health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety and climate change. The campaign aims to foster awareness, learning and innovation that bridge multiple disciplines – medicine, veterinary sciences and environmental studies – in pursuit of a healthier planet.
The inaugural Awareness Walkathon saw vibrant participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students, interns, nursing and dental students, faculty members and healthcare staff. The active involvement of members from local self-government bodies, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, veterinary specialists, police officers and school students reflects the true spirit of intersectoral collaboration envisioned under the One Health initiative. Participants carried placards and banners highlighting key messages of One Health and community collaboration. The event served as a powerful visual representation of institution’s commitment to promoting integrated public health action at the grassroots level.
Following the Walkathon, the institution has planned a series of month-long activities throughout November, including webinars, inter-departmental CMEs, poster and reel-making competitions, innovation showcases, student engagement programs and community awareness drives at both the Urban and Rural Health Training Centres (UHTC & RHTC). These initiatives aim to combine academic learning with real-world community engagement, supporting the national vision of the One Health Mission.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “At, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune we believe that human health, animal health and the environment are deeply interconnected. The One Health campaign is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build sustainable systems that ensure the well-being of all living beings. It reflects our commitment to community welfare and environmental contribution.”
Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, added, “The enthusiastic participation of students and faculty underscores our institution’s vision of collaboration and innovation in healthcare. The One Health campaign demonstrates how multidisciplinary learning can create a lasting impact on communities and contribute to the nation’s public health goals.”
Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, stated, “This initiative integrates the principles of education, research and social responsibility. It encourages our students to understand the holistic nature of health and to develop the compassion and scientific curiosity required to become true healthcare leaders.”
Dr. Hetal Rathod, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, remarked, “The One Health campaign beautifully blends academic excellence with community engagement. Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness and drive collective action towards a healthier, more sustainable future.”
Dr. Akhil R. Nair, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College Coordinator for National One Health Mission Conclave, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, shared, “The campaign reflects institution’s commitment to integrated, hands-on learning that connects classrooms to communities. It inspires collective participation and innovation in advancing public health.”
By aligning academic programs with real-world challenges, the institution continues to serve as a leader in preventive and community medicine.
