How Can We Collaborate to Anticipate, Prevent & Respond to Future Threats?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration among various health departments is critical.
- The National One Health Mission integrates multiple health sectors.
- Engagement at the state level ensures timely responses.
- Focus on wildlife and wastewater surveillance is essential.
- 16 Ministries are actively involved in this initiative.
New Delhi, Sep 27 (NationPress) The Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called upon both Central Departments and State officials to unite in a concerted effort aimed at better anticipation, prevention, and response to future health threats.
During the second assembly of the Executive Steering Committee of the National One Health Mission (NOHM), he highlighted the essential role of NOHM in acknowledging the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
He also underlined that the collaborative initiatives spearheaded by various Departments through NOHM are transforming vision into tangible outcomes, and urged participants to bolster this partnership and assist state officials in the execution of NOHM initiatives.
Nadda commended the advancements made in SOPs, roadmaps, and pathways for the One Health Mission, recommending enhancements to the structures for better implementation.
Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA), reiterated that the mission’s core aim is to improve pandemic preparedness and fortify integrated disease surveillance and control systems across human, animal, and plant health.
He also pointed out the significance of state-level involvement and local ownership to ensure timely detection and response to disease outbreaks.
Prof. V. K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, encouraged all attendees to identify, communicate, and address the gaps in integrated disease management. He also advised focusing on wildlife surveillance, wastewater surveillance, and innovative strategies to tackle emerging biosecurity challenges.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), provided updates on the progress made since the inaugural steering committee meeting in July 2024.
Significant developments include reinforcing the national network of BSL-3 laboratories, a mock drill named Vishanu Yudh Abhyas conducted in August 2024, and syndromic surveillance projects launched through interdepartmental partnerships.
The National One Health Mission has emerged as a revolutionary cross-sectoral initiative, placing India at the forefront of global health security.
This mission has achieved remarkable progress in integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems, ensuring preparedness against emerging health threats while promoting sustainable development. A total of 16 different Ministries and Departments have joined this collaborative effort.