Kerala is a small state in India, having a population of only 34 million (2011 census) but with excellent health indices, human development index and a worthy model of decentralised governance. Integrated Disease Surveillance Program, a centrally supported surveillance program, in place since 2006 and have carved its own niche among the best performing states, in India. Laboratory confirmation of health related events/disease outbreaks is the key to successful and timely containment of such events, which need support from a wide range of Laboratories-from Primary care centers to advanced research laboratories, including private sector. In a resource constraint setting, an effective model of Partnership have helped this state in achieving great heights. Networking with laboratories of Medical Education Department, and Premier Private sector laboratories, Financing equipment and reagents through decentralised governance program, resource sharing with other National programs, Laboratories of Food Safety, Fisheries and Water authorities have resulted in laboratory confirmation of public health events to the extend of 75-80% in the past 5 years in the state. Etiological confirmation accelerated response measures, often multidisciplinary, involving Human health sector, Animal Health, Agriculture, wild life and even environmental sectors, all relevant in One Health context.
Objective: To prove the role of partnerships in Disease Surveillance and Response to emerging public health threats in Kerala state, India.