In a landmark step to strengthen India’s public health resilience, the Union Government has announced the launch of a ₹383 crore National Mission to Combat Zoonotic Diseases, aimed at tackling infections that spread between animals and humans.

The mission, set to be rolled out under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will focus on surveillance, early detection, prevention, and control of zoonotic threats such as Nipah, Avian Influenza, Rabies, Brucellosis, and Leptospirosis.

According to officials, the initiative seeks to establish an integrated “One Health” framework, fostering collaboration between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. This approach aligns with the National One Health Mission, emphasizing coordinated efforts to prevent outbreaks before they escalate into public health emergencies.

“Zoonotic diseases account for over 60% of all infectious diseases in humans,” said a senior Health Ministry official. “This mission will help build a robust research, diagnostic, and response ecosystem that bridges veterinary and human medicine.”

The ₹383 crore project will fund the development of regional research hubs, advanced diagnostic laboratories, and a national data-sharing platform to track emerging pathogens. It will also support capacity-building programs for scientists, veterinarians, and public health workers.

The mission’s framework includes collaboration with international health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to align India’s preparedness with global health security standards.

Experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that India’s dense livestock population and close human-animal interface make it particularly vulnerable to zoonotic outbreaks. Strengthening cross-sectoral coordination, they said, is critical to preventing future pandemics.