“Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas”: Pandemic Preparedness Drill Under One Health Mission

Under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), a comprehensive mock drill named “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” (Virus War Exercise) was held in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, from August 27 to August 31, 2024. This exercise aimed to assess the pandemic preparedness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), which includes experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. The drill simulated a zoonotic disease outbreak to evaluate the readiness and response of the teams involved.

Stakeholders Involved

The exercise brought together multiple stakeholders, including 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, and various state departments. AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, District Administration, and local health and veterinary officers also played key roles.

Key Components

The drill focused on two main components: a) Investigation and identification of the virus responsible for the mock outbreak, and b) Actions taken to control the spread of the illness across human and animal populations. Independent observers monitored the response, which was largely prompt and appropriate, though some areas for improvement were identified.

Outcome and Future Implications

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, praised this first-of-its-kind exercise, emphasizing the importance of One Health Mission in fostering collaborations to address the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment holistically. The exercise provided valuable insights that will inform future strategies to enhance India’s preparedness and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks, promoting a coordinated and efficient approach across all relevant sectors.