New Delhi: In a keynote address at the Health Ministers’ Session during the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit 2023, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled India’s three pivotal health priorities.
The identified priorities— health emergency prevention, preparedness and response, cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, and digital health innovations— underscore India’s dedication to inclusivity in global health dialogues and solutions.
These priorities aim to fortify global health resilience, foster pharmaceutical collaboration, and champion digital health innovations.
Recognising the unprecedented challenges confronting Global South nations, Minister Mandaviya highlighted India’s determination to advocate for reforms in global governance structures.
These reforms are aimed at rendering them more responsive to contemporary realities, particularly the pressing needs of the Global South in the 21st century.
Emphasising the significance of the One Health concept, Minister Mandaviya highlighted its effectiveness in tackling complex public health problems spanning human, animal, and environmental health.
He noted that the majority of global health threats, from SARS to COVID-19, have roots in zoonotic origins. The Minister expressed concern over the inadequacy and fragmentation of efforts, leaving populations vulnerable and accentuating disparities in healthcare and education access.
Minister Mandaviya said, “It is necessary to reverse learning loss and transform education and implement the One Health approach, enhance pandemic preparedness, and strengthen health systems.”
Illustrating India’s proactive initiatives, the Minister pointed to the One Health Programme, led by the National Centre for Disease Control, which monitors and investigates emerging infectious diseases, particularly the ones stemming from wildlife spaces, enabling early detection and response through coordinated efforts among diverse groups.
Highlighting the recently launched National One Health Mission, Minister Mandaviya explained its integrated approach, observing the interconnected aspects of humans, animals, and the environment to monitor and prevent diseases.
“This mission also facilitates coordination across various ministries and departments, aiming to achieve comprehensive pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control against priority diseases in both humans and animals,” he affirmed.
