Infectious diseases are one of the biggest threats to human health —and the threat is only growing. Every year, zoonotic diseases — those that jump from animals to humans — cause around 2.5 billion infections and some 2.7 million deaths.
COVID-19 was a wake-up call for countries around the world, exposing just how fragmented public health systems are and how quickly new pathogens can spread. The next health crisis isn’t a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. Building resilient health systems is thus no longer an option; it is a dire necessity.
The One Health approach offers a powerful way forward. It brings human, animal, and environmental health together, helping governments catch outbreaks before they spread by collaborating, coordinating, and sharing responsibility. The One Health approach is much more than a strategy—it’s a shift in mindset.
Figure 1: The risk of outbreaks is rising, and the next pandemic may already be on the horizon.
India's unique challenges and response
India is a hotspot for emerging infectious diseases, driven by its rich biodiversity, rapid urbanization, deforestation, overcrowding, and extreme weather events. These conditions are conducive for new pathogens to emerge and spread. Recognizing this risk, the Government of India launched the National One Health Mission in 2022. The Mission is led by the country’s principal scientific adviser and backed by a cross-ministerial task force. The National Institute of One Health is the anchor that coordinates the activities of this mission. A key pillar of the mission is pandemic preparedness – through stronger surveillance, early warning systems, research, infrastructure, and the integration of data across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Towards this end, India is modernizing its disease surveillance platform and expanding data collection and integration from the animal health sector. In parallel, it aims to establish at least 100 zoonotic sentinel sites by 2027, at medical and veterinary colleges. Currently, 75 sites are operational, including 11 sites for animal health—both initiatives receive ongoing support from the World Bank, aiming to improve detection of emerging health threats.
The World Bank’s role in India’s One Health agenda
The World Bank is helping India build institutional capacity to create a more resilient health system and reduce the health and economic burdens associated with animal and zoonotic diseases. A key component of the World Bank’s support is the $500 million Public Health System for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (PHSPP) program (2023-2027), which strengthens institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Under this initiative:
- Technical assistance through supportive -supervision visits and the use of standardized performance assessment tools, is helping to enhance the quality of newly established zoonotic sentinel sites.
- Research collaboration is being strengthened through the establishment of the National Institute of One Health Research (NIOHR) and the expansion of the National Institute of Virology network.
- Under the leadership of NIOHR, a national risk map highlighting hotspots for zoonoses is currently under development.
- The Bio Safety Level (BSL) -3 laboratory network is being expanded to strengthen the detection of emerging and high-risk pathogens.
- Led by NCDC’s Epidemiology Division, the Field Epidemiology Training Program is expanding the public health workforce and broadening its curriculum to incorporate One Health, climate change, and cross-sector trainees.
Strategic focus
India has made impressive progress in advancing its One Health agenda. The One Health Mission has been central to this effort, fostering collaboration across ministries and sectors to address health threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
India's robust research capacity has played a crucial role in shaping policy, strengthening surveillance, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. The country has also prioritized the expansion of infrastructure and capacity building within its public health institutions, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This strategic focus ensures that One Health principles are effectively implemented where they are most needed, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.
In addition, India’s geographical and ecological diversity creates opportunities for testing locally tailored solutions. A leading example is the Resilient Kerala Program, a $30 million initiative supported by the World Bank. It is creating a unified governance platform, operationalizing integrated public health laboratories, and launching community-based surveillance through local institutions—offering a scalable model for other states.
Looking ahead to a healthier future
Through bold investments, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven innovation, India is laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient health system.
By uniting human, animal, and environmental health, we can prevent outbreaks before they start, protect the most vulnerable, and build a safer future for all.
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