India Implements Pandemic Fund Project

Context:

India's Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying is implementing a G20 Pandemic Fund-supported project to bolster preparedness against zoonotic diseases.

Project Name and Launch:

Title: “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response”
Launched on 25th October 2024 under the G20 Pandemic Fund.

Project Objectives:

To reduce spillover risk of pathogens from animals (domestic and wild) to humans.
To safeguard public health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Key Focus Areas:

Laboratory Strengthening: Accreditation-focused lab assessments and digital tools for self-assessment.
Surveillance Enhancement: Genomic surveillance, early warning systems, and national laboratory networks for zoonotic and transboundary diseases.
Human Resource Development: Capacity building of epidemiologists, animal health professionals, and community-level animal health workers.
Data and Risk Analysis: Development of integrated data systems, risk communication strategies, and behaviour change awareness.
Institutional Strengthening: Addressing gaps at national and regional levels.

Funding Details:

Total Grant: USD 25 million from G20 Pandemic Fund.
Allocation:
- ADB: USD 12.00 million
- FAO: USD 8.714 million
- World Bank: USD 4.285 million

Broader Relevance:

Aligns with One Health Approach, promoting intersectoral coordination between human, animal, and environmental health.
Supports India’s commitment to global health security under G20 initiatives.