Rapid Fire
G20 Pandemic Fund
- 09 Nov 2024
- 2 min read
In a significant move to bolster animal health and pandemic preparedness, the government of India has announced a USD 25 million G20 Pandemic Fund to develop holistic health coverage for livestock.
- The initiative comes in response to pandemics such as Covid-19, which can transmit from animals to humans.
- About the Fund:
- Fund is developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and is planned to be utilized by August 2026.
- The Fund aims to create a robust framework for monitoring and managing zoonotic diseases—diseases that originate in animals and transfer to humans.
- Key Objectives:
- Upgrading and expanding animal health laboratories and developing laboratory networks.
- Enhancing disease surveillance, including genomic and environmental monitoring for early warnings.
- Strengthening cross-border collaboration for better disease management.
- Creating a disaster management framework for the livestock sector.
- India’s Health Vulnerabilities:
- 60% of pathogens causing human diseases originate from domestic animals or wildlife.
- 75% of emerging human pathogens are animal-derived.
- India scored 42.8 on the Global Health Security Index, reflecting significant environmental risks and public health challenges.
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