The Second Meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee: A Step Toward National One Health
In April 2025, the Second meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee (SSCC) for the National One Health Mission was held in Vigyan Bhawan, marking a significant milestone in collaborative efforts across India. This event brought together scientists, policymakers, and state representatives to discuss initiatives aimed at achieving global health goals.
Key Highlights:
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State Contributions: The meeting recognized the pivotal role of states like Gujarat and Kerala, which presented their programs and governance mechanisms. States were encouraged to strategize pilot programs aligned with One Health principles, emphasizing innovative approaches such as multi-modal solutions.
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A&R Committees: Presented reports from four A&R committees:
- BSL 3/4 Lab Network highlighted the need for advancing research in surveillance.
- Technology Enhanced Surveillance emphasized the importance of integrating technology into health monitoring.
- Research on Medical Countermeasures underscored the necessity of developing innovative solutions for disease management.
- Databases and Data Sharing stressed the critical role of data-driven approaches in One Health.
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Funding Mechanisms: The meeting discussed budget allocations focusing on surveillance, R&D efforts (including vaccines, diagnostics), and state engagement strategies. It underscored the need to adapt mechanisms globally for effective implementation.
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Vigyan Dhara Event: A special event featuring ‘Vigyan Dhara’ showcased the mission’s vision, diverse stakeholders, and overarching goals. This event amplified collaborative spirit among participants.
Reflections and Future Directions:
The meeting marked a turning point, highlighting the importance of state participation and multifaceted approaches in One Health. It reminded us of continued collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. The launch of ‘Vigyan Dhara’ aimed to galvanise these efforts into action for global health improvement.
In conclusion, this meeting underscored the collective effort required to achieve National One Health. Moving forward, we can look towards building upon these achievements, focusing on evidence-based solutions that address multiple dimensions of disease prevention and control. Collaboration remains central, ensuring innovation and scalability in our health investments.