Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja has credited the state’s early success in combating COVID-19 to its hard-won experience with the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak. Speaking at a public health conference, the globally acclaimed health leader said that the tools and strategies developed during the Nipah crisis helped Kerala act swiftly and decisively when the coronavirus struck.
“We didn’t start from scratch. The Nipah outbreak taught us how to trace infection chains, isolate cases, and communicate transparently. When COVID-19 arrived, we adapted those lessons instantly,” Shailaja said.
She praised Kerala’s strong public health system and hailed frontline workers as “the real heroes” behind the state’s effective response. Shailaja also emphasized the crucial role of local governance and community participation in Kerala’s public health strategy.
Her comments come at a time when Kerala’s model continues to be studied internationally for its proactive approach to health emergencies, with renewed calls to strengthen pandemic preparedness globally.
