The only way to protect us from future pandemics is through a holistic approach called “One Health”, which prioritises the wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment, and can shield us from upcoming pandemics. Strong animal health systems are crucial for supporting food security and the livelihoods of underprivileged farmers, reducing the risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), zoonoses, and Anti-Microbial Resistance, and supporting the One Health concept. (AMR).
It can be done through One Health initiatives which adequately prioritize animal health systems with focus and proper investment in strengthening national veterinary services with sufficient staff and infrastructure, disease surveillance at crucial points, like border areas. Briefing media Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted in New Delhi.
The National One Health Mission has made it a top priority to be ready for such future animal pandemics. The Department has developed a focused framework called the “Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)” for anticipated animal pandemics and epidemics as part of the approaching National One Health Mission.
In the meantime, the Department has agreed to work together on the Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) with the World Bank aiming to create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the One Health approach. The project will be conducted in five States, and aims to increase the capacity building of those involved in managing animal health and illness.
In order to build and strengthen the One Health architecture, including community engagement, the project seeks for collaboration from the Human Health, Forest and Environment Department at the national, regional as well as local levels.
On April 14, 2023, at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi, the Union FAHD Minister, Shri Parshottam Rupala, will officially launch the National One Health Mission’s “Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)” and the World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) project.
Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiatives and World Bank funded Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) to be launched on April 14, 2023
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The project aims to improve 75 regional laboratories, strengthen 300 veterinary dispensaries, and train 9000 para-veterinarians and 5500 veterinary professionals. It will cover 151 districts in the five participating states. In addition, a community-level awareness campaign on zoonotic disease prevention and pandemic preparedness will be conducted, reaching out to six lakh households.
The joint project will be carried out as a Central Sector Scheme over a five-year term with a budget of Rs. 1228.70 Cr. In addition to this the project will develop an ecosystem for continuous training of veterinarians and para-veterinarians on innovative disease management practices apart from networking laboratories and integrating disease reporting systems for enhanced surveillance of zoonotic and other animal diseases.