India's Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, specifically the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), has been granted $25 million from the G20 Pandemic Fund for the "Enhancing Animal Health Security for Pandemic Preparedness and Response in India" project.
This initiative aims to strengthen India's animal health system, aligning with the broader strategy of adopting a One Health approach to pandemic management. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilient One Health systems and dedicated funding for pandemic prevention, as numerous recent global health emergencies identified by the WHO originated from animals. This reinforces the necessity of a comprehensive pandemic readiness strategy that gives priority to animal health security.
During Indonesia's leadership of the G20, the G20 Pandemic Fund has approved India's proposal, in line with its mission to financially assist in fortifying pandemic prevention and response capabilities. The fund concentrates on aiding countries with moderate to lower incomes, acknowledging the universal vulnerability to pandemics.
The Pandemic Fund's call for funding has yielded a strong response, with 19 projects selected for initial support from the Governing Board out of over 180 full proposals submitted. These projects aim to bolster global pandemic readiness and span various regions. Notably, India's chosen proposal focuses on enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory networks, data systems, and skills in data analytics. It underscores international collaboration and unity in pandemic management.
Beyond financial support, the Pandemic Fund has broader objectives of fostering investments, stakeholder collaboration, and advocacy. The fund primarily aims to mitigate risks posed by animal-borne pathogens, safeguarding both human and animal populations, along with vulnerable communities' well-being and livelihoods.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), with support from the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will lead the collaborative effort. The provided grant is expected to significantly enhance India's pandemic preparedness and the safety of humans and animals alike.
