India's First One Health Institute In Nagpur To Track Human, Animal & Environmental Diseases Together
The institute will test samples nationwide to trace disease spread and issue timely alerts if a new virus is found in animals, helping prevent transmission to humans
The country's first One Health Institute is under construction in Nagpur, aiming to simultaneously monitor diseases affecting humans, animals and the environment. Dr. Pragya Yadav, Director of the National Institute for One Health, highlighted that this significant initiative by the government is geared towards addressing future epidemic challenges more effectively.
The National Institute for One Health (NIOH) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, will track diseases across humans, animals, and the environment, enabling early detection.
What Makes The Institute Stand Out?
The institute will identify zoonotic diseases such as COVID, bird flu, and the Nipah virus. A collaborative effort involving doctors, veterinarians, scientists, and environmental experts will work towards understanding the origins of these diseases.
When Will It Be Ready?
According to Dr. Yadav, the institute is expected to be fully operational within the next two years, with rapid progress being made on its building and modern laboratories.
How Will It Prevent Epidemics?
The institute's role in epidemic prevention involves testing samples from across the country to trace and analyse how diseases spread. Should a new virus be detected in any animal, timely alerts will be issued to prevent the disease from spreading to humans.
Additionally, the institute will maintain connections with global agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), positioning India to participate in global epidemic warnings and solutions.
Equipped with high-safety labs such as BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4, the institute will collaborate with various ministries, including health, animal husbandry, and environment, to determine whether diseases originate from animals, the environment, or other factors.
What Is One Health?
The concept of One Health revolves around understanding the interconnected health of humans, animals and the environment to prevent diseases. The National Institute for One Health will serve as a collaborative platform, fostering data monitoring across departments to ensure timely responses to future epidemics.
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First Published:
June 18, 2025, 19:17 IST
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