COVID-19 has forced us to re-focus our attention on zoonotic diseases: Dr Vinod Paul

New Delhi: In an initiative aimed at addressing interconnected health challenges, a national consultation on the Legal Environment Assessment for One Health activities commenced on 27-28th June 2024 in New Delhi.

Led by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Law & Justice, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the consultation marks India’s proactive stance in establishing a unified legal and policy framework to support the One Health initiative.

Dr. Vinod Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog, emphasized, “India is ahead of several countries in drafting the legal framework to support and strengthen the implementation of the One Health initiative. This represents India’s advanced thought process and leadership and showcases our vision in this area. A national consultation with multi-partners and stakeholders is not only important but very timely. COVID-19 has forced us to re-focus our attention on the importance of zoonotic diseases and the intricate linkages between the human, animal and plan eco-systems.”

Dr. Paul highlighted the interconnected health challenges of zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, and climate change, stressing the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to integrating human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. He underscored India’s leadership in advancing One Health goals aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of “One Earth, One Health.” Dr. Paul outlined India’s initiatives including the National Action Plan (NAP) 2.0 for AMR, the One Health Mission, and efforts on climate change, emphasizing state engagement, alignment of laws with global standards, and cross-sectoral cooperation as essential for achieving these goals.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Apurva Chandra, emphasized that over 75% of human diseases are zoonotic, underscoring the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s commitment to managing these risks through the integrated One Health approach. Chandra highlighted ongoing efforts under PM-ABHIM to strengthen state capacities in surveillance and disease management, acknowledging legislative gaps and overlaps in India’s current framework for health, animal welfare, and environmental protection. He stressed the crucial role of ministry and state support in achieving One Health objectives.

Leena Nandan, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the need for coherence among ministries to achieve One Health goals. She pledged the Environment Ministry’s commitment to enhancing provisions under the Wildlife and Environmental Acts to protect human health and conserve wild animals. She also stressed the necessity of capacity building among ground-level workers and communities for effective implementation of One Health strategies.

Rajiv Mani, representing the Ministry of Law and Justice, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating necessary legal amendments to align with One Health principles and mandates.

The consultation, organized by the Centre for One Health, National Centre for Disease Control, and Directorate General of Health Services, aims to assess the current legal framework, foster dialogue among stakeholders, develop actionable recommendations, and promote inter-sectoral collaboration. It addresses core domains such as International Health Regulations (IHR), biosafety and security, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food-borne illnesses, and climate change impacts on health.

Prominent figures including Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel from DGHS & Director, NCDC, L.S. Changsan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Isabel Tschan, Resident Representative A.I. UNDP, and Dr. Simmi Tiwari, the nodal officer for One Health at NCDC, were also present, highlighting the broad-based support for advancing the One Health agenda in India.