India conducts pandemic preparedness mock drill “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” under National One Health Mission

India conducted a national mock drill titled “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” from August 27 to August 31, 2024, in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, to assess pandemic preparedness under the National One Health Mission (NOHM). The exercise aimed to evaluate the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), which includes experts from the human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. A simulated zoonotic disease outbreak scenario was created to mimic a real-world outbreak, testing the capabilities of the response team.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, acknowledged the significance of this first-of-its-kind exercise. He highlighted the role of the One Health Mission in fostering collaborations that address the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment in a holistic and sustainable manner.

The drill involved 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 others. The response was observed by independent monitors to ensure objectivity in evaluating the team’s performance.

The exercise was divided into two main components: the investigation and identification of the virus responsible for the mock outbreak, and the actions taken to control the spread of the disease across human and animal populations. The district and state teams, directed by NJORT, responded to the simulated outbreak. The response was found to be mostly prompt and appropriate, though some areas were identified for further improvement.

The “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” drill provided valuable insights that will inform future strategies to enhance India’s preparedness and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks. It emphasised the importance of a coordinated and efficient approach across all relevant sectors.