The “One Health” Pavilion at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, has emerged as an educational and interactive hub for visitors since its inauguration by Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, on November 14, 2024. Blending health services, innovative technologies, and cultural engagements, the pavilion embodies the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's commitment to preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare.
The pavilion offers diverse health services tailored for children and adults. Under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), children undergo screenings for height, weight, BMI, dental, ear, and eye health. Adults benefit from free hemoglobin, blood pressure, and sugar level checks, coupled with counseling on mental health and diet. These efforts support national health initiatives like Anemia Mukt Bharat and programs addressing Non-Communicable Diseases.
Statistics so far highlight the pavilion’s impact:
Children Screened (RBSK): 157
Hemoglobin Tests: 590
Dental Screenings: ~300
Mental Health Counseling Sessions: 117
HIV Testing/Screenings: 119
Diet Counseling Sessions: 500
Such screenings, counseling, and awareness sessions showcase the Ministry’s dedication to bridging the gap between health services and communities.
The ‘One Health’ approach bridges human, animal, and environmental health to foster global wellness
Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog
A key highlight of the pavilion is its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) stall, which introduces visitors to the U-WIN digital platform. This platform simplifies vaccination bookings, alerts, and access to e-certificates via a user-friendly app. A QR code at the stall allows visitors to download the app on-site. So far, 150 U-WIN apps have been downloaded, with parents praising its convenience for managing vaccination schedules.
To further promote immunization, visitors receive a pocket calendar detailing the National Immunization Schedule, ensuring accessibility and awareness for both children and pregnant women.
The pavilion’s appeal extends beyond health services, with interactive performances like nukkad nataks (street plays) on tuberculosis, food safety, and vector-borne diseases. These are complemented by magic shows and cultural events that engage audiences while delivering critical health messages.
For younger visitors, the Gaming Zone offers virtual reality experiences exploring human anatomy and health quizzes. The “One Health Memory Wall” allows visitors to leave personalized messages, making their visit memorable.
Interactive initiatives like the U-WIN app empower citizens to manage vaccinations with ease.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
The NOTTO stall has been a focal point for screenings and awareness. As of now, it has conducted:
Blood Pressure Checks: 46
Sugar Tests: 37
BMI Tests: 60
Organ Donation Pledges: 27
These initiatives encourage visitors to engage in life-saving practices, like organ donation, while prioritizing their health.
The pavilion embodies the “One Health” concept, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This approach is particularly relevant to India, with its dense human population, large livestock base, and rich biodiversity.
“Recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle underscore the need for holistic solutions,” remarked Dr. V.K. Paul. The “One Health” strategy integrates efforts across sectors to address zoonotic diseases, improve productivity, and ensure environmental conservation.
By leveraging sectoral strengths, India aims to build agile response systems capable of tackling complex health challenges. These efforts align with the government’s vision of “Health and Wellness for All”.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
