Why this matters now
Pandemic preparedness, One Health, zoonoses and AMR are highly topical GS-2 health-security themes, shaped by the lessons of COVID-19.
The One Health approach
One Health is an integrated approach recognising that the health of humans, animals, plants and the shared environment is interconnected. Most emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic (jumping from animals to humans) — so prevention needs collaboration across human, veterinary and environmental sectors.
Key threats
Major threats: emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (driven by deforestation, wildlife trade, climate change and urbanisation), zoonotic spillovers, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — the “silent pandemic” from the misuse of antibiotics, threatening to make infections untreatable.
India’s preparedness
India’s response: strengthening surveillance (IDSP/IHIP), labs, the NCDC, vaccine and manufacturing capacity, and emergency systems; the National One Health Mission; and an AMR action plan. Preparedness needs health-system investment, data systems, global cooperation (IHR/WHO) and behaviour change.
UPSC angle
Know One Health (human-animal-environment), zoonotic/emerging diseases and their drivers, AMR (silent pandemic), and India’s preparedness (surveillance, NCDC, One Health Mission, AMR plan).
Frequently asked questions
What is the One Health approach?
An integrated approach recognising that human, animal, plant and environmental health are interconnected.
What are zoonotic diseases?
Diseases that jump from animals to humans; most emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
When microbes evolve to resist antibiotics, making infections harder to treat — a major global health threat (the “silent pandemic”).
How can India improve pandemic preparedness?
Through stronger surveillance, labs, vaccine capacity, the One Health Mission, an AMR plan and global cooperation.