Hindu Editorial Analysis : 24-August-2023
India is on the brink of launching a groundbreaking initiative known as the ‘National One Health Mission,’ which holds the potential to significantly bolster the country’s response to health crises. This essay explores the One Health approach, its significance in the context of India, the nation’s ongoing efforts, and suggestions for a seamless transition to a One Health paradigm.
Understanding the One Health Approach
Recognizing Interconnections
One Health is a holistic approach that recognizes the intricate interconnections between the health of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment. This concept, while gaining prominence in recent times, traces its roots back to the writings of Hippocrates in ancient Greece, who pondered the connection between public health and clean environments.
Significance of the One Health Approach
Link with Zoonoses
India, like many other nations, faces the challenges posed by zoonotic diseases, which are infections that can spread between animals and humans. Environmental changes driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and industrialization have exacerbated these challenges. Approximately 60% of emerging human diseases are zoonotic, encompassing threats like bird flu, Ebola, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Beyond
Besides zoonotic diseases, India grapples with antimicrobial resistance, food safety, security, and vector-borne diseases. These interconnected issues necessitate an approach that fosters intersectoral management and efficiency, making the One Health strategy particularly relevant.
Minimizing Resource Requirements
One Health promotes resource efficiency by encouraging coordination across various governmental units, including Health and Family Welfare, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Environment, and Science and Technology. This approach facilitates information sharing, enhances decision-making, and leads to sustainable policies.
Economic Benefits
The economic benefits of the One Health approach are evident when compared to the exorbitant costs of managing pandemics without such a strategy. Estimates suggest that a non-One Health approach could cost as much as $30 billion annually, whereas a One Health strategy could save substantial resources, ranging from $10.3 billion to $11.5 billion per year.
India’s One Health Initiatives
COVID-19 Initiatives
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of adopting a One Health approach. Consequently, India has launched numerous interventions based on this model since the pandemic’s outbreak.
Standing Committee on Zoonoses
Established in 2006 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India’s Standing Committee on Zoonoses offers guidance and recommendations to both Union and State governments on zoonotic challenges. The pandemic has propelled this committee to the forefront of India’s public health efforts.
Consortium on One Health
Launched in 2021 by the Department of Biotechnology, India’s first Consortium on One Health unites 27 organizations from multiple ministries to assess transboundary animal diseases and zoonotic diseases.
One Health Pilot Project
In 2022, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Industry, initiated a One Health pilot project in Karnataka and Uttarakhand. This project aims to enhance intersectoral collaborations through capacity-building to improve livestock, human, wildlife, and environmental health.
National One Health Mission
India is gearing up for a comprehensive ‘National One Health Mission,’ spearheaded by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor. The mission’s objective is to coordinate, support, and integrate all existing One Health initiatives across the country.
Suggestions for a Smooth Transition to a One Health Approach
Communication
Establishing effective communication mechanisms between various ministries and sectors is crucial. This ensures that all stakeholders remain informed, engaged, and regularly review progress.
Collaboration
Collaboration between sector members is essential for translating ideas into short-term interventions. Clarifying roles and responsibilities in zoonosis management is pivotal, encompassing risk assessment, surveillance, capacity-building, research, and public outreach.
Coordination
Routine and long-term activities are best coordinated by national or subnational agencies with the authority and resources to oversee multiple ministries. India’s upcoming ‘National One Health Mission’ exemplifies this stage.
Integration
Integrating national and subnational programs across sectors is vital for efficient resource-sharing and streamlined initiatives. Currently, programs such as the MoHFW’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and DAHD’s Livestock Health and Disease Control scheme lack integration, leading to disjointed efforts.
Why In News
India is actively gearing up for the ‘National One Health Mission,’ a visionary initiative poised to revolutionize its ability to respond effectively to health crises. With a comprehensive approach encompassing human, animal, and environmental health, this mission is set to bolster India’s resilience against emerging challenges in the realm of public health.
MCQs about India’s National One Health Mission
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What is the primary focus of India’s National One Health Mission?
A. Economic development
B. Environmental conservation
C. Public health integration
D. Agricultural modernization
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Which of the following is NOT a key driver for zoonotic diseases?
A. Human population growth
B. Urbanization
C. Industrialization
D. Agricultural productivity
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What is the primary purpose of the Consortium on One Health?
A. Developing agricultural policies
B. Assessing transboundary animal diseases
C. Enhancing urbanization efforts
D. Promoting wildlife conservation
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