Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s one health and climate change hub will use artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate human, animal and environmental health data to address climate-linked health challenges. Speaking at a symposium on Wednesday, health secretary Supriya Sahu urged various departments to streamline existing data, develop sustainable policies and make this information accessible to all.
A one health and climate change centre will be established at both district and state levels to monitor and manage physical, financial and epidemiological profiles of climate-sensitive illnesses. The centre will focus on real-time data collection, analysis and reporting to track diseases worsened by climate change, such as zoonotic diseases, vector-borne illnesses, heat stress and respiratory ailments.
Integrating this data will support resource allocation, healthcare infrastructure development and policymaking. AI can consolidate this data and uncover patterns to develop effective strategies, Supriya said.
Scientists said it is crucial to not only track diseases but also identify their determinants. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research dean (research) Kalpana Balakrishnan said, “Climate change is disrupting health systems in ways we do not fully understand yet, and inaction will come at a high cost.”
To turn these strategies into outcomes, experts proposed launching pilot projects in select districts. “Pilots will help stakeholders design better policies and propose scalable solutions,” said the Nature Conservancy India managing director Dr Anjali Prakash.
Environment secretary P Senthilkumar suggested forming district-level subcommittees comprising experts from various departments and academic institutions.
At the event, health minister Ma Subramanian and minister for finance, environment and climate change Thangam Thennarasu released the first copy of the one health and climate change handbook.
