The Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Organized an Event
The inaugural State and Union Territory Engagement Workshop under the National One Health Mission (NOHM) concluded on June 9, 2025, marking a significant step towards enhancing India’s integrated One Health approach. Chaired by Prof. Ajay Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, the workshop gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including state officials and representatives from various departments. The event focused on collaboration and resource alignment to strengthen health infrastructure across states.
Opening Remarks and Key Discussions
The workshop began with an inspiring address from Prof. Ajay Sood, who outlined the vision for the event and highlighted the essential role of state governments in achieving the mission’s goals. Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of aligning resources to bolster state health systems. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address complex One Health challenges. He pointed out the significance of syndromic surveillance and preparedness exercises, such as the “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyaas,” which tests the readiness of rapid response teams during disease outbreaks. Dr. Sindura Ganapathi, a fellow at the PSA, provided an overview of the mission’s objectives and governance structure.
Representatives from Gujarat and Kerala, who were nominated for governance committees, showcased their states’ One Health initiatives. They discussed governance frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and advancements in surveillance, demonstrating the proactive steps taken by their respective states.
Youth Engagement and Technological Initiatives
During the workshop’s inaugural session, a new Youth Engagement Program for the One Health mission was launched. This initiative aims to actively involve the youth of India through existing national platforms and state machinery, encouraging their participation in health initiatives. Additionally, a One Health dashboard was introduced, which will serve as a centralized platform for tracking initiatives by various states, ministries, and multilateral organizations. This dashboard is currently in development and can be accessed through the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviserโs website.
The workshop featured two major sessions where participants engaged in discussions across four critical themes: Governance & Policy, Surveillance Systems, Outbreak Investigation & Response, and Capacity Building & Data Sharing. These sessions aimed to identify synergies, tackle existing challenges, and develop actionable strategies for a more integrated approach to health across human, animal, and environmental sectors.
Collaborative Efforts and Simulation Exercises
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) presented their overarching programs aimed at enhancing surveillance and collaboration within the One Health framework. The workshop concluded with a simulation exercise that addressed a hypothetical disease outbreak scenario. Coordinated by multiple agencies, including the NCDC and the Army Medical Corps, participants discussed containment and management strategies using the One Health approach.
A poster session was also held, showcasing various One Health initiatives undertaken by states, union territories, knowledge partners, and multilateral organizations. The event attracted representatives from around 28 states and union territories, along with stakeholders from various ministries and academic institutions, highlighting a strong commitment to collaborative health efforts across India.
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