National One Health Mission: India's Integrated Response to Emerging Epidemics

Union Health Minister J P Nadda addressed the Rajya Sabha about zoonotic epidemics, highlighting the importance of a One Health approach. The National One Health Mission (NOHM) aims to coordinate disease prevention across human, animal, and environmental sectors with a financial outlay of Rs 386.86 crores.

In a crucial address to the Rajya Sabha, Union Health Minister J P Nadda emphasized the significance of adopting a One Health approach to combat zoonotic diseases like Nipah virus and Covid-19 that originate from non-human sources. This approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Highlighting several international health emergencies over the past decades, Nadda stressed the need for coordinated actions to prevent such outbreaks. The National One Health Mission (NOHM), a collaborative effort, seeks to merge the resources and expertise of multiple ministries and departments to enhance the country's pandemic preparedness.

With an approved budget of Rs 386.86 crores from the Department of Health Research, the NOHM focuses on technology-enabled surveillance, BSL-3 laboratories, and integrated R&D for vaccines and diagnostics. Key activities also include strengthening of healthcare infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

(With inputs from agencies.)