India Conducts First National Pandemic Preparedness Drill 'Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas'

The National One Health Mission led a mock drill 'Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas' in Rajasthan to assess pandemic preparedness. The exercise involved multiple stakeholders, aimed at enhancing response strategies for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Union Health Minister praised the exercise for fostering multidisciplinary collaborations.

In an effort to evaluate and enhance India's pandemic preparedness, the National One Health Mission (NOHM) conducted 'Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas' (Virus War Exercise), a comprehensive national mock drill, according to an official statement released on Tuesday. Held in Rajasthan's Ajmer district from August 27 to August 31, the exercise aimed to assess the readiness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT).

The drill, which simulated a mock zoonotic disease outbreak, brought together experts from the human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of the One Health Mission in promoting a holistic and sustainable approach to the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

NCDC, ICMR, DGHS, DAHD, MoEF&CC, ICAR, Rajasthan State Administration, DHS, State Veterinary Department, State Forest Department, AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, and local health authorities were among the many participants. The exercise focused on investigating and identifying the virus responsible for the mock outbreak and initiating actions to control its spread. While the response was deemed mostly prompt and appropriate, the drill also highlighted areas for improvement. 'Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas' yielded valuable insights for future strategies to bolster India's response to zoonotic disease outbreaks.