FAHD Minister Parshottam Rupala launches Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiatives and World Bank funded Animal Health System Support for One Health
This would enhance India's preparedness and response to potential animal
pandemics, in line with the One Health approach
The Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative and the World Bank-funded “Animal
Health System Support for One Health” are comprehensive efforts to address
animal pandemics in a holistic manner: FAHD Minister
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam
Rupala today launched the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative and
World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for One Health to enhance
India's preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics, in line with
the One Health approach. This initiative aims to enhance India's preparedness
and response to animal pandemics, with a focus on zoonotic diseases that pose a
threat to both animal and human health. This initiative 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.
The event also saw the launch of the World Bank-funded project on
“Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)” that aims at
creating an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the
One Health approach covering five (05) states in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Parshottam Rupala, Union Cabinet Minister
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said, “India is home to a diverse animal species, and
the livestock sector plays a critical role in the country's economy and food
security. However, we are also vulnerable to threats posed by emerging and
zoonotic diseases. The Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative is a proactive
step to protect our animal resources and ensure the safety and health of our
people. The Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative and the World Bank-funded
“Animal Health System Support for One Health” are the comprehensive efforts to
address animal pandemics in a holistic manner. By strengthening our animal
health systems and implementing the One Health approach, we can better prevent
and control zoonotic diseases, which not only impact the health and welfare of
our animals but also have significant economic impact and human health
concerns.”
Addressing the gathering , Dr L Murugan, Minister of State of Fisheries,
Animal Husbandry and Dairying said that that “The launch of
the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) and Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)
project is a step closer to addressing the animal pandemic and preparedness to
handle any unknown infections in future. By working together to implement One
Health initiatives, we can promote sustainable and healthy fisheries that
benefit both people and the environment.
Addressing the gathering, Rajesh
Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, stated “In
order to move towards preparing the system for meeting any pandemic like
exigency, various actions are to be coordinated including strengthening of
surveillance of disease, creating models for disease forewarning, improving
R&D ecosystem and diagnostic capacities, streamlining regulatory ecosystem,
providing better responses in the field and mobilizing resources. DAHD has
initiated important changes for improving livestock systems and programs in the
country. Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative or APPI is one such initiative
to cover all aspects of disease prevention, control and pandemic preparedness
comprehensively. The key elements include Integrated disease surveillance &
monitoring, early warning & response, Vaccine/ diagnostics, R&D and
production, and ecosystem coordination with funding and regulatory framework
enablers.
At the event, Bulletin/Publication of One Health Support Unit were
released and APPI and AHSSOH Videos were also launched.
Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the
Government of India, Prof Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, MoH
& FW, Oliver Braedt, Head, Agriculture and Food Global Practice, World
Bank, Dr Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD were among the
dignitaries who graced the occasion. The event saw the participation of
nearly 200 key stakeholders from different sectors in the eco systemincluding
representatives from the International Organizations (WHO, WB, FAO, WOAH, UNEP),
concerned Ministries, Animal Health experts from Research Institutes of ICAR
and ICMR and other Government stakeholders.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, (DAHD), Government of
India is committed to the successful implementation of the Animal Pandemic
Preparedness Initiative and the World Bank funded Animal Health System Support
for One Health and looks forward to working with all stakeholders towards this
important goal.