From August 27 to August 31, 2024, India carried out a comprehensive pandemic preparedness mock drill, titled “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas”, in Ajmer district, Rajasthan. The exercise was part of the National One Health Mission (NOHM) and aimed to assess the readiness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to handle a simulated zoonotic disease outbreak.
The mock drill focused on evaluating the coordinated efforts of various sectors, including human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife. This initiative comes at a crucial time, with increasing awareness of the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, underscoring the importance of a One Health approach.
Objectives and Key Stakeholders
The drill was designed to:
- Test the readiness and response capabilities of the NJORT in managing a simulated zoonotic outbreak.
- Provide insights for future strategies and improvements in pandemic preparedness.
- Strengthen the collaboration between health, environment, and agricultural sectors under the One Health framework.
Key stakeholders involved included the:
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD)
- Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Rajasthan State Administration
The drill also incorporated independent monitors who observed the entire exercise to ensure objective assessment of the response team’s performance.
Simulation and Execution
The mock outbreak scenario involved a simulated zoonotic virus outbreak, which challenged the district and state teams to investigate, identify, and respond to the disease. The NJORT led efforts to contain the virus, managing both human and animal health risks. While the response was generally found to be prompt and effective, certain areas were identified for further enhancement.
Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda highlighted the significance of the exercise, stating that it is crucial in fostering collaboration across sectors to address pandemic threats holistically. The One Health Mission focuses on the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, emphasising the need for integrated strategies.
Insights and Future Directions
The “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” drill provided valuable lessons that will shape future pandemic preparedness strategies in India. It reinforced the importance of efficient coordination among health, agricultural, and environmental sectors in preventing and controlling zoonotic disease outbreaks. The insights gained from the exercise will guide efforts to improve India’s response to future public health emergencies.
