Under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), a large-scale mock drill titled "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" (Virus War Exercise) was conducted in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, from August 27 to 31, 2024, with the objective of assessing the country's pandemic preparedness. This exercise was designed to evaluate the operational readiness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), which brings together experts from various sectors, including human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife. The drill focused on simulating a mock outbreak of a zoonotic disease to test the coordinated response across these sectors.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, lauded this innovative initiative, underscoring the significance of the One Health Mission in promoting a collaborative approach to health. He emphasized that such efforts are crucial for sustainably addressing the interconnected health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The drill highlighted the importance of integrating expertise from different fields to create a robust response mechanism that can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of potential pandemics.
The "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" drill involved multiple key stakeholders, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and other relevant departments and agencies. The primary objectives of the exercise were to identify the virus responsible for the simulated outbreak and to implement effective measures to prevent its spread among both humans and animals.
While the drill demonstrated a generally swift and effective response, it also revealed some areas needing improvement. The lessons learned from this exercise will be instrumental in refining and strengthening India's preparedness and response strategies for future zoonotic disease outbreaks. By simulating real-world scenarios, the exercise provided valuable insights into the complexities of managing such crises and the critical need for seamless collaboration across sectors.
The insights gained from this exercise will help shape future strategies, ensuring that India remains well-prepared to tackle potential zoonotic disease outbreaks with greater efficiency and coordination.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)