NEW DELHI, Sept 10: India is expanding its disease surveillance capabilities through the National One Health Mission, with wastewater monitoring, integrated disease tracking and genomic surveillance being strengthened to detect emerging health threats at an early stage.
ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said several initiatives are currently being implemented under the mission, including syndromic surveillance and integrated monitoring of diseases affecting humans, animals and wildlife.
Wastewater surveillance covering 13 priority pathogens is currently operational across 47 cities. The programme is planned to expand to 75 cities by 2027, according to information provided by the ICMR chief.
The initiative is designed to provide an additional layer of early warning by identifying signs of infectious diseases circulating within communities through wastewater samples.
India has also established five genomic and metagenomic hubs to strengthen its ability to identify novel or previously unknown pathogens. Such facilities can support the rapid analysis of emerging infections and help authorities respond more effectively to potential outbreaks.
The developments come amid growing concerns over emerging infectious diseases, biological threats and the possibility of laboratory-related accidents. A comprehensive surveillance system is considered important for detecting health threats before they develop into larger outbreaks.
The National One Health Mission takes an integrated approach by bringing together human, animal and environmental health surveillance. This approach recognises the close links between diseases affecting people, animals and ecosystems.
The government is also working with relevant stakeholders on a draft National Biosecurity Policy, aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness and response capabilities against biological threats.
Officials said continued expansion of surveillance infrastructure, genomic capabilities and information-sharing mechanisms would be important for strengthening India’s preparedness for future health emergencies.