The Philippine National Influenza Center (PNIC) of the Department of Virology, housed in the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), recently held the Laboratory Updates on Severe Respiratory and other Viral Diseases in Human and Animals relating to the One Health concept last April 3 at the Vivere Hotel, Alabang.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the concept of One Health is defined as an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment in reaching optimal health outcomes.

The event served as an avenue where experts discussed the different human respiratory and other viral diseases with one health concept; imparted knowledge on the investigation and response to disease outbreaks; and provided information on basic biosafety practices for human and animal laboratories.

Additionally, the course was designed to provide a holistic approach to the participants – healthcareworkers from the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) and Influenza Surveillance Sentinel Sites.

During the training, speakers emphasized the need to control zoonoses, “Some diseases that affecthumans are also affecting animals. Those infections jump from humans to animals and back to humans to make more severe infections,” said PNIC Department of Virology Supervising Science Research Specialist Rex Centeno.

RITM continues to provide technical assistance through training that will build skills for investigating and responding to outbreaks in resource-limited settings.

by Allenor Enciso, Communication and Engagement Office