Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative and Animal Health System Support for One Health

• 18 Apr 2023

For Prelims: One Health Approach, WHO, World Bank, Zoonotic Diseases.

For Mains: Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative, Animal Health System Support for One Health, One Health.

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has launched an Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) under One Health Approach to address the threat of diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

• One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• The Ministry has also launched Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) project, funded by the World Bank.

What is the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)?

• About:
  • The initiative is in line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global One Health strategy, which emphasizes the importance of multisectoral collaboration in addressing the threat of zoonotic diseases.
  • It will help to improve veterinary services and infrastructure, disease surveillance capabilities, early detection and response, build the capacity of animal health professionals, and awareness among farmers through community outreach.
• Pillars of APPI:
  • Disease Surveillance and Monitoring.
  • Disease Model Algorithms and Early Warning System.
  • Outbreak Investigation and Response.
  • Ecosystem Coordination.
  • Vaccine Development and Research and Development.
  • Building Disaster Resilience.
  • Funding.
  • Regulatory Framework.
• Aim:
  • The initiative aims to enhance India's preparedness and response capabilities to prevent and control zoonotic diseases, thereby safeguarding the health of both animals and humans.

What is Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)?

• It aims to create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the One Health approach.
• The project will be implemented over a five-year period as Central sector scheme.
• It has set a goal to cover 151 districts in five participating states, focusing on upgrading 75 district/regional laboratories, as well as strengthening 300 veterinary hospitals/dispensaries.

What is the Scenario of Livestock Diseases Burden and Livestock Sector?

What is the National One Health Mission (NOHM)?

• One Health:
  • One Health brings together different sectors to solve health, productivity, and conservation challenges, which is important for India with its diverse wildlife, large livestock population, and high human density.
  • Recent disease outbreaks, like Covid-19, Lumpy Skin Disease, and Avian Influenza, show that addressing disease from just a human perspective isn't enough. We need to consider livestock and wildlife too.
• About:
  • The NOHM is a cross-ministerial effort approved by the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) in its 21^st meeting.
  • The NOHM will be implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with other ministries.

• Objective:
  • The NOHM will focus on addressing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health to promote holistic and integrated approaches to disease control and prevention.
  • It aims to promote a coordinated and integrated approach to disease control and prevention in India, addressing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Components:
  • Strengthening surveillance and Early Warning Systems for zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance
  • Promoting research and development in One Health areas
  • Improving capacity building for health professionals, veterinarians, and researchers
  • Enhancing public awareness and community engagement on One Health issues
  • Developing guidelines and policies for One Health interventions and strategies
  • Establishing a One Health data repository and information system
  • Facilitating national and international collaborations and partnerships to address One Health challenges.

Source: PIB