India is taking a significant step towards integrated disease management with the establishment of its first "One Health" institute in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This pioneering institute aims to monitor and track diseases that affect humans, animals, and the environment, all under one roof. The establishment of the National Institute for One Health (NIOH) in Nagpur signifies a strategic move to address the growing interconnectedness of health challenges in a rapidly changing world.
The concept of "One Health" recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems are inextricably linked. This approach is particularly relevant for India, given its diverse wildlife, large livestock population, high human density, and varied flora, all of which create opportunities for both harmonious coexistence and the spread of diseases across different compartments. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle, and the constant threat of Avian Influenza have highlighted the need for a holistic approach to health that goes beyond just human health and considers livestock, wildlife, and environmental factors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the NIOH in Nagpur, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing health research and serving vulnerable populations. The institute will focus on boosting preparedness and laboratory capabilities to identify emerging zoonotic agents. Equipped with a Bio Safety Level (BSL-IV) laboratory, the NIOH will play a crucial role in investigating outbreaks of zoonotic diseases and developing effective control strategies. Dr. Pragya D. Yadav, a virologist known for her work in detecting early COVID-19 cases and developing Covaxin, has been appointed as the director-in-charge of the NIOH.
The One Health approach is not new but has gained traction due to changes in how humans, animals, plants, and the environment interact. More people are interacting with wild and domestic animals, increasing the chances of disease transmission. Climate and land-use changes, such as deforestation and intensive farming, also create new opportunities for diseases to spread.
The National One Health Mission, with the ICMR as the implementing agency, aims to integrate various sectors to solve health, productivity, and conservation challenges. The mission received a boost with the Union Cabinet's approval of the Director position for NIOH in February 2024. The institute will act as the mission's anchor, coordinating activities across the country.
The National One Health Mission is structured around key pillars such as human and animal pandemic preparedness. This includes effective surveillance strategies, early warning systems, boosting research and innovation, infrastructure development, community engagement, and data integration across sectors. A network of BSL 3/4 labs is being created to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks effectively across human, livestock, and wildlife sectors. Currently, there are 22 labs in this network.
The establishment of the NIOH and the broader National One Health Mission reflects India's commitment to a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to health. By bringing together human, animal, and environmental health sectors, India aims to optimize health outcomes, address challenges, and build a more resilient and healthy future for all.
