The National Conclave on “Augmented Zoonotic Diseases Surveillance at Human-Wildlife Interface” and the National Conclave for Endorsement of the “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming was organised by the Centre for One Health, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). These conclaves were held on 17th October, 2023 and a press release was issued on that same date.
During the conclave, the Union Health Secretary highlighted the growing concern of zoonotic diseases, which affect both humans and animal health, and the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue. 75% of newly emerging infectious diseases in the last three decades were said to be zoonotic in nature.
The Union Health Secretary noted that the limited knowledge and skills in identifying zoonotic diseases, coupled with a lack of diagnostic facilities at all levels, have resulted in the neglect of infectious diseases caused by zoonotic pathogens.
It was stated that a better understanding of the specific drivers and mechanisms of zoonotic diseases is crucial to prepare for future disease outbreaks. The Secretary also highlighted the impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that addressing diseases from both human and animal perspectives is vital, as most emerging infectious diseases result from changing human-animal interactions and their shared environment. This interconnectedness underscores the need for a “One Health” approach, which leverages the strengths of each sector to devise integrated, robust, and agile response systems.
In addition to zoonotic diseases, the Secretary also highlighted other significant health threats, including Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and foodborne diseases. He noted that the rapid spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria and the lack of new antibiotics to treat infections pose a growing threat to human health. Similarly, foodborne diseases caused by factors such as poor hygiene, the misuse of antibiotics, and environmental contamination also constitute a significant risk.
The Union Health Secretary emphasized the importance of the “One Health” approach, which is consistent with India’s G20 Presidency theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” He underscored the various “One Health” efforts undertaken by the Government of India, including the National One Health Programs for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, National Rabies Control Programs, and initiatives related to climate change and human health.
The event also saw the endorsement of the Inter-Ministerial One Health Support Statement on the “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming.” Technical documents on Rabies Helpline, information on medically important snakes in India, and zoonotic diseases prevention, preparedness, and response were launched to strengthen India’s fight against these health challenges.
Furthermore, the Director General of Health Services, emphasized that the “One Health” approach encompasses not only animals but also plants and noted that human encroachment in nature has led to the spillover effects of zoonotic diseases.
He stressed the need for early disease detection and effective management of spillover effects, and the Deputy WHO Representative to India, highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders.
