National Conference on One Health Approach Held in Chennai

Key Facts

• The two-day national conference took place on 2-3 July 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Organisers included the Deccan Centre for International Relations, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, and LEAD at IFMR/KREA University.
• Chief Guest at the event was Professor Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
• Focus areas included the One Health approach, zoonotic disease control, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness.
• The conference featured four thematic sessions: Biology, Technology and Future Innovations; Governance, Global Lessons and International Cooperation; One Health as the Foundation of National Health and Biosecurity; and Biosecurity, Dual-Use Research, and Laboratory Networks.
• A table-top simulation exercise was conducted focusing on health security and biosecurity planning.

Background & Context

The One Health approach is a multidisciplinary and integrated framework connecting human health, animal health, and environmental health. It addresses complex health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, environmental surveillance, and biosecurity threats. India's National One Health Mission (NOHM) embodies this integrated strategy, coordinating across human health, veterinary, environment, and science sectors. NOHM aims to enhance zoonotic disease control, tackle antimicrobial resistance, and strengthen biosecurity and pandemic preparedness. Anchored by the National Institute for One Health in Nagpur and implemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the mission involves over 13 government departments, focusing on coordinated surveillance, research and development, and policy frameworks including a National Wildlife Health Policy.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The conference and the One Health approach are important for understanding India's strategy to face emerging health security challenges through multisectoral coordination. Knowing the structure and objectives of the National One Health Mission and recognising key health issues such as zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and biosecurity align with GS Paper 2 topics on health governance, disease control, and environmental health linkages. Awareness of prominent contributors such as Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti, and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, and the role of major institutions is also relevant for current affairs.

Points to Remember

• One Health Approach: Links human, animal, and environmental health to address shared health threats in an integrated manner.
• Zoonotic diseases: Infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, requiring cross-sector action.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microbes to survive medicines that previously killed or inhibited them. India’s AMR challenges include antibiotic misuse and require multisectoral response under One Health.
• Biosecurity: Measures aimed at preventing the entry and spread of harmful biological agents within populations and environments, including aspects like laboratory network management and dual-use research oversight.
• National One Health Mission (NOHM): India’s integrated framework for disease surveillance, control, biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness involving over 13 government departments, coordinated by the ICMR and National Institute for One Health.
• Conference Participants: Key figures included Prof. Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser), Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti, and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan.
• Conference Sessions: Covered biological and technological innovations, governance and global cooperation, biosecurity, and simulation-based health security exercises.