Fighting the Invisible Enemies by Dr. Santanu Panda is a timely and passionately crafted exploration into the world of zoonotic diseases and the urgent need for a holistic response to future pandemics. At its core, the book serves as a clarion call for the operationalization of the “One Health” approach—a concept that integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems to proactively prevent outbreaks. Dr. Panda’s unique background in veterinary science, coupled with his hands-on experience in animal infectious diseases, lends the book a credible and grounded perspective.
Released to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fighting the Invisible Enemies arrives at a moment when global discourse is beginning to shift from pandemic response to long-term preparedness. While societies across the world are slowly shedding the visible signs of pandemic life—discarding masks, abandoning habitual sanitization, and resuming social norms—this book serves as a sobering reminder that the biological and ecological undercurrents that gave rise to COVID-19 remain unresolved.
The author frames zoonotic diseases as “invisible enemies,” a term that captures both their elusive nature and their catastrophic potential. Through a series of analyses and narratives, the book traces the genesis and transmission patterns of these diseases, including insights into how viruses spill over from animals to humans—a process that is often hastened by human encroachment on natural habitats, unsanitary livestock practices, and climate change. Rather than painting these threats as random acts of microbial violence, Dr. Panda carefully unpacks the systemic failures—policy inertia, fragmented healthcare responses, and disregard for ecological balance—that allow these microbes to flourish.
One of the book’s more distinct elements is its cultural metaphor: Dr. Panda likens the collective energy needed to combat zoonotic diseases to the multi-armed form of Goddess Durga, a divine warrior who battles evil through the combined power of various gods. This metaphor is introduced not as a theological assertion but as a conceptual device drawn from the author’s personal imagination and childhood influences. While some readers may find this comparison evocative and illustrative, others may view it as an unusual framing for a scientific treatise. However, Dr. Panda is careful to include a disclaimer that underscores the secular intent behind the analogy, asserting that the One Health approach transcends religion and culture.
What stands out in this work is the clarity with which complex biological and ecological concepts are conveyed. Dr. Panda has a commendable ability to demystify technical language without oversimplifying the science. This makes the book accessible not only to fellow scientists and public health professionals but also to an informed lay audience who may be seeking a deeper understanding of pandemic dynamics. His explanation of viral evolution, interspecies transmission, and environmental degradation are rooted in solid scientific understanding but are delivered in a language that is clear and engaging.
Nevertheless, the book does not merely diagnose problems; it offers solutions grounded in the One Health framework. Dr. Panda advocates for intersectoral coordination among veterinarians, physicians, ecologists, and policymakers, arguing that no single discipline can address zoonotic threats in isolation. The book outlines how this integrated approach can work in practice—through shared data platforms, joint surveillance mechanisms, and coordinated rapid response strategies. The proposed model challenges the siloed nature of global health governance and encourages a paradigm shift toward a more collaborative, anticipatory system.
However, where the book slightly falters is in its limited discussion of geopolitical and economic barriers that hinder the adoption of the One Health model. While the scientific rationale for integration is well articulated, the structural challenges—such as funding gaps, jurisdictional overlaps, and political will—are only lightly touched upon. Readers seeking a more robust analysis of these obstacles may find the treatment a bit too optimistic or idealistic. A more critical exploration of failed One Health initiatives or case studies showing the model’s real-world application (or lack thereof) would have added depth to the argument.
Dr. Panda’s narrative voice is sincere and reflective, often weaving in anecdotes from his professional journey, including his routine service transfers within the government system. This personal dimension humanizes the text and adds authenticity to his call for reform. His experience in both the laboratory and administrative corridors gives him a dual vantage point—he understands the molecular and the bureaucratic, the petri dish and the policy brief.
The book’s relevance extends beyond academic circles. As climate change accelerates and global mobility intensifies, the likelihood of future zoonotic outbreaks remains high. In this context, Fighting the Invisible Enemies is not just a retrospective on COVID-19 but a forward-looking manifesto for global health resilience. The title itself is a potent reminder that the battle is far from over. The true enemy is not only the virus but the fragmentation, complacency, and ecological negligence that create fertile ground for such pathogens.
In terms of structure and presentation, the book is coherent, well-organized, and logically sequenced. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, guiding the reader through a progression of understanding—from the basic science of zoonoses to the intricacies of systemic health responses. The writing is interspersed with references to peer-reviewed journals and global health bodies, enhancing the book’s credibility without overwhelming the reader with jargon.
Ultimately, Fighting the Invisible Enemies succeeds in its primary mission: to shed light on an often-overlooked area of public health and to advocate for a holistic, integrative response to emerging biological threats. It is both a cautionary tale and a hopeful proposition—a blend of science, culture, and vision. For readers willing to look beyond the immediate crisis and into the ecological and societal patterns that fuel pandemics, this book offers a thoughtful, well-reasoned roadmap.
Dr. Panda’s contribution is a meaningful one, grounded in scientific expertise and driven by a moral imperative. Whether or not one embraces the metaphor of Durga, the underlying message remains clear: the fight against zoonotic diseases requires unity, vigilance, and above all, a recognition that the health of humans, animals, and the planet are inextricably intertwined.
