- A large-scale mock drill was conducted in Rajasthan to test India's pandemic preparedness under the National One Health Mission.
- The drill brought together various key stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and state/district-level authorities.
Under the National One Health Mission, a large-scale mock drill called "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" (Virus War Exercise) took place in Rajasthan's Ajmer district from August 27 to 31, 2024, to test pandemic preparedness.
The drill tested the National Joint Outbreak Response Team's (NJORT) readiness by simulating a zoonotic disease outbreak. The team, made up of experts in human healthcare, animal husbandry, and wildlife, worked on identifying the virus and controlling its spread among humans and animals. Observers noted that the district and state teams responded quickly and appropriately under NJORT's guidance, though some areas for improvement were found.
#HealthForAll
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 3, 2024
“VISHANU YUDDH ABHYAS”: A Mock Drill on Pandemic Preparedness conducted under National One Health Mission
Exercise aimed to evaluate the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team composed of experts from human health, animal husbandry… pic.twitter.com/wpnBYrQEWH
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, praised this unique exercise, emphasizing the importance of the One Health Mission in promoting collaboration to address the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment in a holistic and sustainable way.
The drill brought together various key stakeholders, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The Rajasthan State Administration, State Directorate of Health Services (DHS), State Veterinary Department, State Forest Department, AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, District Administration, Chief District Medical Officer, District Veterinary Officer, and Community Health Centre doctors and staff also participated in the exercise.
Overall, the Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas drill was a success, offering important insights to strengthen India's preparedness and response to future zoonotic disease outbreaks through better coordination across all sectors.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
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