Overview
The National One Health Mission Assembly 2025 concluded successfully on November 21, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam. The assembly highlighted the importance of collaborative action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to enhance preparedness and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Key Objectives and Themes
- Integrated Approach: Reinforcing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
- Preparedness: Enhancing national capacities for rapid response to health threats.
- Community Engagement: Emphasizing the central role of community participation in health initiatives.
- Whole-of-Government Action: Promoting coordinated efforts across various government ministries and departments.
Key Developments
Day 2 Deliberations
The second day of the assembly featured technical deliberations focused on strengthening the national One Health ecosystem. Senior officials from key ministries, scientific bodies, development partners, and implementation agencies participated in coordinated action.
Expert Contributions
- Dr. V K Paul (NITI Aayog): Called for sustained collaboration, system preparedness, and stronger national capacities.
- Dr. Rajiv Bahl (ICMR): Highlighted the importance of innovation, translational science, and integrated surveillance.
- Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale (Department of Biotechnology): Emphasized the role of innovation and integrated surveillance.
- Mr. Scott Newman (FAO): Reinforced the value of multisectoral engagement and global cooperation.
Community Engagement and Preparedness
Dr. V K Paul underscored that community engagement is the foundation of early disease detection, surveillance, and rapid response. He noted that community-led mobilization was one of India’s greatest strengths during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed that One Health preparedness must extend to the grassroots.
Statements from Key Figures
Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog
"India’s progress in One Health relies on a strong whole-of-government approach that advances a healthier and more resilient future. Community participation remains central to this effort. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding and addressing misinformation, while our law and order systems serve as vital force multipliers during emergencies."
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR
"We need science, technology, and development to work in unison. The goal is not only to build diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for future outbreaks but to do so with speed. By bringing together experts from across sectors, the National one Health Mission platform is helping shape a more agile, prepared, and responsive ecosystem for managing current and future public health threats."
Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology
"COVID-19 was a watershed moment that exposed both the fragility and the global interdependence of our technological future. What is now clear is that the triad of intelligence — biological, artificial, and natural — will redefine all future technologies. Their convergence will drive a scale and speed of innovation that is difficult to imagine today. Harnessing this potential will be central to strengthening India’s One Health and bioscience capabilities."
Exam Relevance
This event and its outcomes are relevant to GS2 (Health, Governance) and GS3 (Science & Technology, Environment). The One Health approach is crucial for addressing emerging health threats, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring public health security. The emphasis on community engagement and inter-sectoral coordination aligns with the principles of good governance and participatory development.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
- Understand the concept of One Health and its significance for public health.
- Analyze the role of community engagement in health programs.
- Evaluate the importance of inter-sectoral coordination in addressing complex health challenges.
- Assess India's preparedness for future pandemics and the lessons learned from COVID-19.
- Examine the role of technology and innovation in strengthening health systems.