Immediate technical assistance for animal health systems to address emerging and priority zoonotic diseases and health threats (India component)
| Project's full title | Immediate technical assistance for animal health systems to address emerging and priority zoonotic diseases and health threats (India component) |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Start date | 01/10/2023 |
| End date | 30/09/2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Project Code | OSRO/IND/203/USA |
| Objective / Goal |
Objectives: To strengthen animal health systems to reduce the risks and impacts of zoonoses, emerging disease threats, AMR and biothreats through a One Health and inclusive approach, supporting the animal sector's contribution to Global Health Security. Description: India, with a population of 1.42 billion and significant livestock numbers—approximately 306.7 million cattle and 851.81 million poultry—is at high risk for the swift and catastrophic spread of emerging zoonotic infections. Studies on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens in animals across India indicate an alarming situation that demands urgent attention. The FAO Global Health Security Program (GHSP) in India builds upon achievements from various One Health and transboundary animal disease projects previously implemented by the FAO country office. This initiative has scaled up previous activities and introduce new ones to address four critical areas: AMR, zoonotic diseases, national laboratory systems, and surveillance, as well as human resources. The project is being executed by the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) multidisciplinary team in India, with support from the ECTAD Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) based in Bangkok, Thailand. Establishing FAO ECTAD in India as a central hub has enhanced India's preparedness and response to public health threats from the animal health sector. By developing the One Health Framework, the project improves disease reporting and response coordination, optimizes resource utilization, enhances emergency preparedness, and builds capabilities to manage economically and zoonotically significant diseases. These efforts will ultimately reduce public health risks in India, particularly in AMR and zoonoses, contributing to global public health security. Donor: USAID Expected Outputs:
|