In response to the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, India conducted its first national mock drill, “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas,” from August 27 to 31, 2024. This large-scale exercise was organized under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), a vital initiative to improve the country’s preparedness against zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted between animals and humans.
The Need for Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas
Zoonotic diseases pose significant risks to public health as they can emerge from various sources, including domestic animals, wildlife, and livestock. These diseases can spread rapidly across sectors, requiring coordinated efforts for effective control. Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas aimed to test India’s ability to respond to such a crisis by simulating a zoonotic disease outbreak. The exercise was designed to enhance collaboration among diverse sectors and ensure a timely and unified response.
Key Objectives of the Drill
The primary objective of Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas was to evaluate India’s preparedness to handle zoonotic disease outbreaks. The focus was on a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach that involved human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife management departments working together. The exercise aimed to ensure a swift, effective response from different government bodies and health organizations in identifying, controlling, and mitigating the spread of a simulated zoonotic disease.
Key Participants
Several leading organizations across various sectors participated in the drill, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach required for such a scenario. These included:
- 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)
- State and District Health and Veterinary Services
Each organization played a critical role in different aspects of the drill, from detecting and identifying the outbreak source to implementing control measures.
Components of the Drill
The mock drill was divided into two main stages:
- Investigation and Identification: Teams were tasked with identifying the mock virus responsible for the outbreak. This step tested the capacity of health and veterinary services to rapidly detect and diagnose zoonotic diseases.
- Control Measures: Once the virus was identified, participating teams worked on implementing measures to prevent its spread among human and animal populations. This involved quarantine, treatment, and containment strategies, emphasizing the importance of an integrated response.
Evaluation and Outcomes
Independent observers were assigned to monitor the performance of all teams involved in the exercise. Overall, the response by the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) and other stakeholders was timely and appropriate, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in zoonotic disease management. However, the exercise also revealed areas where further improvements are needed, such as streamlining communication and enhancing cross-sector collaboration.
A Step Toward a Safer Future
Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas was deemed a success, offering valuable insights into how India can improve its preparedness for future zoonotic disease outbreaks. The National One Health Mission, under which this drill was conducted, continues to work towards strengthening the country’s response systems by fostering collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
By bringing multiple agencies together under one unified plan, India is better equipped to face the ever-growing threat of zoonotic diseases, ensuring public health protection and environmental sustainability.