Students preparing through UPSC online coaching and IAS coaching in Hyderabad should note that the Fifth Meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee (May 2026) on the National One Health Mission was recently held in New Delhi.
National One Health Mission (NOHM)
• The National One Health Mission (NOHM), launched in 2024, adopts a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.
• It aims to strengthen national health security through integrated surveillance systems and improved pandemic preparedness.
Collaborative Approach
• Integrates:
• Human health sector
• Veterinary and livestock sector
• Environmental and wildlife health sector
Nodal Agency
• Implemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).
Governance Structure
Executive Committee
• Chaired by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Principal Scientific Adviser acts as Vice-Chair.
• Member (Health), NITI Aayog is a permanent invitee.
Scientific Steering Committee
• Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).
• Includes Secretaries and Directors General of stakeholder departments.
• Two states participate on a rotational basis.
Surveillance Integration
• Links disease monitoring across:
• Humans
• Livestock
• Wildlife populations
Latest Data & Relevance
Global Context
• The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they spread from animals to humans.
India’s Burden
• India witnessed over 20 major zoonotic outbreaks between 2000 and 2025, including:
• Nipah Virus
• Avian Influenza
• COVID-19
Economic Impact
• COVID-19 alone caused an estimated ₹30 lakh crore GDP loss in India between 2020–22.
• This highlighted the urgent need for integrated health preparedness and coordination.
Capacity Building
• By 2026, around 15 integrated surveillance laboratories had been established under NOHM across various states.
Way Forward
• Expand state-level One Health cells for localized monitoring and rapid response.
• Strengthen inter-ministerial data-sharing platforms.
• Promote community awareness about zoonotic diseases and public health risks.
• Enhance international collaboration with organisations such as:
• World Health Organization
• Food and Agriculture Organization
Significance of the Mission
• Improves pandemic preparedness and early warning systems.
• Strengthens coordination among health, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
• Supports sustainable public health governance.
• Enhances India’s capacity to manage future zoonotic outbreaks and biological threats.
Importance for UPSC Preparation
• Relevant for GS Paper 2 topics such as health governance, public policy, and welfare administration.
• Also important for GS Paper 3 topics like disaster management, biotechnology, and internal health security.
• Useful for aspirants preparing through UPSC coaching in Hyderabad, Hyderabad IAS coaching, and civils coaching in Hyderabad.
Conclusion
The National One Health Mission is a major step toward integrated health governance and pandemic preparedness in India. By linking human, animal, and environmental health systems, the mission strengthens surveillance, coordination, and scientific capacity to tackle future public health challenges effectively.
This topic is available in detail on our main website.
