Dept of Animal Husbandry & Dairying To Receive $25 Million Grant from G20 Pandemic Fund to Strengthen Animal Health System

In a significant stride towards enhancing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, has been granted a $25 million proposal from the G20 Pandemic Fund. The proposal, titled "Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response," aims to fortify the animal health system in India, contributing to the broader goal of a One Health approach to pandemic management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of building robust One-health systems and mobilizing dedicated resources for pandemic prevention. Over the past few decades, the majority of WHO-declared public health emergencies of international concern have originated from animals, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness and response that includes animal health security.

The G20 Pandemic Fund, established under Indonesia's G20 Presidency, has greenlit India's proposal as part of its efforts to channel financial support towards strengthening pandemic prevention and response capabilities. This initiative targets low- and middle-income countries, recognizing the global nature of pandemic risks.

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With over 350 Expressions of Interest and 180 full proposals submitted in its inaugural call for funding, the Pandemic Fund faced substantial demand. Out of these, the fund's Governing Board selected 19 grants in its first round of allocations, with a focus on enhancing resilience against future pandemics across various regions.

India's proposal envisions several key interventions, including the integration and strengthening of disease surveillance and early warning systems, expansion and upgrading of the laboratory network, enhancement of interoperable data systems, capacity building for data analytics, and bolstering health security against transboundary animal diseases. The proposal also emphasizes India's role in regional cooperation through cross-border collaborations, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in pandemic management.

Beyond providing dedicated resources, the Pandemic Fund seeks to stimulate increased investments, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and serve as a platform for advocacy. The project's primary impact will be a reduction in the risk of pathogens originating from animals—both domestic and wildlife—transmitting into the human population, thereby safeguarding the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Implementation of the project will be a collaborative effort, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) leading the charge as the lead implementing entity, along with support from The World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

As India takes a proactive step towards strengthening its animal health system, the grant from the G20 Pandemic Fund is expected to contribute significantly to the country's preparedness in managing future pandemics and ensuring the safety of both human and animal populations.

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