India's Call for a Robust One Health Approach to Combat Future Pandemics

Dr.

Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), emphasized the urgent need for India to adopt a robust One Health approach to effectively prepare for and combat future pandemics.

The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, promoting collaborative efforts across multiple sectors to prevent and control infectious diseases.

Dr.

Bahl highlighted that pandemics often arise from zoonotic diseases, which transmit from animals to humans, underscoring the importance of integrated surveillance and response systems.

He stressed that India must strengthen its preparedness by investing in early detection mechanisms, enhancing laboratory capacities, and fostering interdisciplinary research.

Additionally, Dr.

Bahl called for improved coordination between public health authorities, veterinary services, and environmental agencies to ensure a comprehensive response framework.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed gaps in global and national health systems, making it imperative to build resilient infrastructures capable of rapid response and containment.

Effective pandemic preparedness also involves community engagement, risk communication, and capacity building at all levels of the healthcare system.

By adopting a One Health strategy, India can better anticipate emerging health threats, mitigate their impact, and safeguard public health.

This integrated approach aligns with global health security goals and can serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.

Dr.

Bahl's remarks highlight the critical need for policy reforms and sustained investments to enhance India's pandemic resilience.