Hyderabad, India: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, in collaboration with Indian Immunologicals Limited and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), organized a groundbreaking “Conclave on Pandemic Preparedness & Vaccine Innovation” in Hyderabad on January 10, 2025.
The event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for advancing livestock health, pandemic preparedness, and vaccine development under the One Health approach—a holistic framework connecting human, animal, and environmental health.
Key Highlights of the Conclave
Chief Guest Address:
Prof. Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen veterinary infrastructure to address future pandemics. He highlighted:
- Enhancing diagnostic facilities for early disease detection and rapid response.
- Establishing advanced platforms for next-generation animal vaccine development.
- Preventing zoonotic disease spillovers to safeguard both animal and human health.
- Aligning efforts with the One Health approach to build a resilient healthcare framework.
Insights from DAHD Leadership:
- Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, stressed the importance of increasing investment in animal health to enhance productivity and improving cold chain systems for efficient vaccine delivery.
- Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, called for ensuring vaccine security and establishing pre-qualification protocols for animal vaccines.
Themes of Discussion:
The conclave addressed critical areas, including:
- Strengthening pandemic preparedness and response mechanisms.
- Advancing disease surveillance and improving livestock vaccination programs.
- Integrating artificial intelligence in healthcare and advancing cell and gene therapy vaccines.
- Streamlining vaccine testing and regulatory approval processes.
- Building resilient supply chains for vaccine delivery.
Prominent attendees included:
- Shri Rama Shankar Sinha, Joint Secretary (Livestock Health), DAHD.
- Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited.
- Dr. Sanjay Shukla, Member Secretary, Central Zoo Authority.
- Dr. B.R. Gulati, Director, NIVEDI.
India: The Global Vaccine Hub
India continues to solidify its position as a global leader in vaccine production:
- Producing 60% of the world’s vaccines, with Hyderabad serving as a hub for over 50% of India’s vaccine manufacturers.
- Implementing the world’s largest livestock vaccination program, fully funded by the Central Government.
Key achievements include:
- Foot & Mouth Disease: 102 crore vaccinations (WOAH endorsed).
- Brucellosis: 4.23 crore vaccinations.
- Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR): 17.3 crore vaccinations.
- Classical Swine Fever: 0.59 crore vaccinations.
- Lumpy Skin Disease: 26.38 crore vaccinations.
Each animal is assigned a unique identification number (UID), recorded in the Bharat Pashudhan (National Digital Livestock Mission), ensuring traceability and a systematic vaccination schedule. These programs have significantly reduced the incidence of major livestock diseases, fostering healthier and more productive livestock populations.
Conclusion
The conclave marked a major milestone in India’s commitment to advancing veterinary health and pandemic preparedness. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, robust vaccine programs, and a unified One Health approach, India is setting the stage for a more resilient and sustainable future in animal and human health.
