Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda today stressed that coordinated and synergistic efforts by the Centre and States are essential to enhance influenza preparedness and response across India. He said this while virtually addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Chintan Shivir organised under the theme of Strengthening Interministerial and Intersectoral Convergence for Influenza Preparedness and Response in New Delhi.

 

In his address, the Minister emphasised that it is vital to ensure preparedness and response activities, including surge capacities, are well aligned for the forthcoming influenza season. Influenza continues to pose a significant public health challenge in India and globally, with periodic outbreaks resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality.

 

The Union Health Ministry continues to closely monitor seasonal influenza trends across States and UTs in real time through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network. The Chintan Shivir, which offers an opportunity for all stakeholders to deliberate on various dimensions of preparedness for resilience against influenza, was convened by the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, India.

 

The two-day Shivir that began today, witnessed participation from around 110 representatives from a wide range of ministries, departments and institutions, reflecting strong multisectoral engagement.