Why is it in the News?

The ‘National One Health Mission’ is the result of the recognition that only a coordinated approach will ensure a better response to disease outbreaks.

Context:

• In recent times, the intricate relationship among humans, animals, and the environment has gained significant attention, especially in light of the emergence of pandemics like COVID-19.
• This interconnectedness is underscored by the impact of diseases such as lumpy skin disease, which affects both livestock productivity and trade, bridging the gap between domesticated and wild animal health.
• Addressing these complex challenges, the Indian government has launched the 'National One Health Mission,' aimed at comprehensively tackling the interlinked domains of human, animal, and environmental health.

What is One Health?

• One Health is an integrating idea that brings different sectors together to solve the health, productivity, and conservation challenges and has major implications for India.
  • It is a global topic and was endorsed during India's presidency of the G-20.
• India with its diverse wildlife, one of the largest livestock populations, and high density of human population, carries heightened risks for inter-compartmental spread of diseases.
• The Covid pandemic, recent outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle, and the constant threat of Avian Influenza show that it is not just about addressing diseases from the human health point of view (zoonosis) but we need to address the livestock and wildlife aspects.
• This also opens opportunities for leveraging the complementarity and strengths that are inherent in each sector and devising integrated, robust, and agile response systems.

What is the National One Health Mission?

• Initiated in July 2022, the National One Health Mission represents a comprehensive endeavor endorsed by the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
• With the participation of 13 ministries and departments, including the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), among others, this mission adopts a holistic approach towards One Health and pandemic preparedness.
• A pivotal achievement within this mission is the establishment of the National Institute for One Health in Nagpur.
• Functioning as the central coordinating body for both national and international One Health endeavors, this institute marks a significant milestone in the mission's implementation.
• On December 11, 2022, the foundation stone of the institute was laid by the Prime Minister, symbolizing the commitment to advancing the principles of One Health and enhancing pandemic preparedness.

Objectives and Approaches of The National One Health Mission:

• Seamless Surveillance Integration: The mission endeavors to establish an integrated surveillance system that seamlessly monitors health indicators across human, animal, and environmental sectors.
  • By amalgamating data from these domains, it can swiftly identify potential health hazards and respond proactively.
• Coordinated Outbreak Management: Recognizing the necessity of a unified approach in outbreak response, the mission aims to institute protocols and frameworks facilitating collaboration among various sectors.
  • This coordinated effort enables effective resource and information sharing to mitigate the impact of diseases affecting multiple domains.
• Collaborative Research and Development: Through fostering collaboration among scientific research institutions and government bodies, the mission fosters the development of innovative solutions for emerging health threats.
  • This includes the creation of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics critical for pandemic preparedness and response.
• Seamless Information Exchange: Effective communication and data sharing are imperative for a unified One Health approach.
  • The mission endeavors to facilitate seamless information exchange between sectors and stakeholders, ensuring timely and informed actions.
• Preparedness for Future Pandemics: Building on past pandemic experiences, the mission seeks to develop strategies and frameworks to enhance the country's readiness for future health crises.
  • This involves proactive planning for potential pandemics and emerging diseases such as avian influenza or Nipah virus.
• Resource Optimization: By leveraging the resources and expertise of multiple sectors and stakeholders, the mission aims to optimize resource utilization, including laboratory infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and scientific research capabilities.
  • This collaborative effort enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness in addressing health threats.
• Public Health Education and Awareness: The mission includes public education initiatives to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
  • Promoting an understanding of One Health principles encourages healthier behaviors and better preparedness for health emergencies.

Critical enabling activities of the One Health Mission:

• The outcomes of the One Health Mission will be supported by critical enabling initiatives.
• Many of these initiatives are ongoing and will be strengthened under the mission and several new activities that will facilitate the goals of the mission will be undertaken.?

Leveraging Laboratory Networks and Technological Integration in India's National One Health Mission:

• Establishment of High-Risk Pathogen Laboratories: The mission is dedicated to creating a nationwide network of laboratories equipped to handle high-risk pathogens classified under Biosafety Levels 3 and 4.
  • These facilities provide a secure environment for studying infectious agents with pandemic potential.
• Departmental Collaboration: By consolidating laboratories managed by diverse departments, the mission aims to foster a cohesive network capable of coordinating resources and expertise across sectors.
  • This integration enhances disease outbreak response, irrespective of its origin in human, animal, or environmental realms.
• Optimized Resource Allocation: Pooling laboratory resources within a unified network ensures efficient utilization of infrastructure and personnel.
  • This collaborative approach enables swift responses to outbreaks and other health crises, maximizing available resources.
• Interdisciplinary Research and Analysis: Encouraging collaboration among experts from various disciplines—including medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, and public health—the mission promotes comprehensive research and analysis of health threats across multiple sectors.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, the mission enhances epidemiological capabilities by analyzing vast datasets to detect patterns, trends, and potential health risks.
  • This technology enables timely interventions and enhances overall preparedness.
• Utilization of Disease Modelling: Advanced modeling techniques are employed to forecast disease spread and potential outbreaks.
  • These models facilitate targeted measures for disease control and prevention.
• Expansion of Genomic Surveillance: The mission broadens genomic surveillance efforts beyond COVID-19, encompassing other infectious diseases.
  • By analyzing genetic material from diverse sources like wastewater and animal congregations, scientists can monitor disease prevalence and identify emerging threats.
• Capacity Building Initiatives: Emphasizing the importance of skill enhancement, the mission prioritizes capacity building across sectors in epidemiology, data analytics, and laboratory management.
  • Training programs ensure that professionals possess the necessary skills to effectively utilize new technologies and methodologies.

Conclusion

The concept of One Health transcends mere disease management, encompassing broader realms such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, plant diseases, and the consequential impacts of climate change. Addressing intersectoral issues like One Health necessitates active involvement not only from diverse governmental agencies but also from non-governmental organizations, academia, the private sector, and ordinary citizens. By adopting an actionable framework rooted in collaboration and comprehensive engagement, we can advance toward the overarching objectives of 'One Earth, One Health' and 'Health for All.