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India to launch Rs 383 Crore National Mission to Combat Zoonotic Diseases

New Delhi: India is set to launch the National One Health Mission, a Rs 383-crore cross-ministerial initiative aimed at building coordinated surveillance, research, and response systems to prevent outbreaks of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases such as COVID-19, Nipah, scrub typhus, and avian influenza.

With 75% of new human diseases originating in animals, the mission underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap between human, animal, and environmental health. The mission, cleared by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), will be implemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 

It marks a significant shift toward a unified health approach, recognising that zoonotic and vector-borne diseases are not only public health threats but also major challenges to India’s food security, environment, and economic stability.

The first major milestone under the initiative will be the National One Health Conclave, scheduled for November 20–21 in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the event, signalling India’s high-level commitment to the global One Health approach. 

Also Read:AIIMS Bhopal Launches One State, One Health to Standardise Emergency Care

Speaking to TOI, Prof Umesh Kapil, president, Epidemiology Foundation of India, said, “‘One Health’ is not a theoretical concept but a public health necessity for India.” He stressed that collaborative surveillance, evidence-based diagnostics, and strong institutional linkages are key to preventing future outbreaks.

Apart from zoonotic diseases, the mission will also focus on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture. Officials said the initiative will bring together agencies such as ICMR, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the National Centre for Disease Control, FSSAI, and CPCB to develop and enforce coordinated AMR control policies. 

Also Read:Himachal Pradesh prepares for comprehensive HIV, Syphilis Testing

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a coordination meeting was held between the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (HPSACS) with the objective of eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis.

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