The advent of a holistic approach to ‘one health’

Context: Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) endorsed the setting up of the ‘National One Health Mission’.

• One Health is an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness between the health of people, animals, and the environment.

PM-STIAC:

• The PM-STIAC is an Indian government body that advises the Prime Minister on science, technology, and innovation policy.
• It was established in August 2018, replacing the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• The PM-STIAC is chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
• The council also includes eminent scientists, technologists, and innovators from India and abroad.

Key features of National One health Mission:

• Aims for integrated disease surveillance and joint outbreak response strategies.
• National network of high-risk pathogen laboratories established.
• Efforts include applying Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and disease modeling for better epidemiology and data analytics.
• Genomic surveillance from wastewater and other sources will be expanded for routine surveillance across human, livestock, and environmental sectors.

The way ahead:

• India emphasized the One Health approach during its G-20 presidency.
• Cooperation between, (government, NGOs, academia, private sector) is essential.
• Actionable framework for “One Earth, One Health” and “Health for All” goals.
• Strong R&D, especially vaccine development, is vital for pandemic preparedness.