The Department of Biotechnology of the Indian government, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, recently introduced the country’s first One Health consortium. Consisting of 27 organizations, this significant endeavour is one of India’s most ambitious health programs in the post-Covid era.
The consortium intends to conduct surveillance on critical bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections of zoonotic and transboundary pathogens in India. This effort includes utilizing existing diagnostic tests and developing additional methodologies for monitoring and understanding the emergence and spread of diseases.
Importance of the One Health Consortium
The One Health consortium offers a holistic approach towards understanding the health of humans, animals, and wildlife, aiming to minimize the damage caused by future pandemics. The encompassing nature of this program underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings and their shared environments.
Additional Government Initiatives
In May 2019, India assembled a National Expert Group with a transdisciplinary, collaborative approach under the banner “One Health.” Following its creation, this group submitted a report in April 2021. This document included Subject Specific Health Action Plans targeting identified Climate Sensitive Diseases and offering solutions using the One Health concept.
As part of its commitment to a sustainable and resilient healthcare infrastructure, India also became signatory to the Malé Declaration in 2017. This move encouraged the promotion of climate-resilient healthcare facilities capable of withstanding any climatic event.
Furthermore, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs no. 3) aim for equitable quality healthcare for all, India launched Ayushman Bharat, a national health protection scheme, in 2018. This initiative marked a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Understanding the One Health Concept
The One Health approach acknowledges that the health of humans is intrinsically tied to the health of animals and our shared environment. Its vision aligns with the tripartite-plus alliance comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The goal of this approach is to foster research collaborations and promote knowledge sharing across multiple disciplines such as human health, animal health, plants, soil, environmental and ecosystem health.
Increasing Relevance of One Health
The importance of the One Health initiative has increased over the years due to growing human populations and their expansion into new geographic areas. This increased contact with animals and their environments elevates the chances for diseases to pass between animals and people. It’s worth noting that over 65% of contagious diseases affecting humans are of zoonotic or animal to man origin.
Environmental disruptions and habitat changes also provide new opportunities for diseases to transfer to animals. Additionally, the increased movement of people, animals, and animal products due to international travel and trade allows diseases to spread quickly across borders and around the globe.
Furthermore, there are over 1.7 million viruses circulating in wildlife, many of which likely have zoonotic characteristics. The implication is that, without timely detection, India and the world risk facing many more pandemics in the future.
Path to the Future
The Covid-19 pandemic accentuated the significance of ‘One Health’ principles in managing infectious diseases, especially those related to zoonotic diseases. There is a call for India to expand this model throughout the country and establish meaningful international research collaborations.
The development of best-practice guidelines for informal market and slaughterhouse operations (e.g., inspections, disease prevalence assessments) would be beneficial. Furthermore, efforts should be made to implement One Health strategies at all levels, from national institutions down to the village level.
Moving forward, increased awareness and investments toward meeting One Health targets will be essential in building a more resilient future in the face of potential pandemics.