G20 Pandemic Fund | 09 Nov 2024

Source: TH

In a significant move to bolster animal health and pandemic preparedness, the government of India has announced a USD 25 million G20 Pandemic Fund to develop holistic health coverage for livestock.  

• The initiative comes in response to pandemics such as Covid-19, which can transmit from animals to humans. 
• About the Fund: 
  • Fund is developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and is planned to be utilized by August 2026. 
  • The Fund aims to create a robust framework for monitoring and managing zoonotic diseases—diseases that originate in animals and transfer to humans.  
• Key Objectives: 
  • Upgrading and expanding animal health laboratories and developing laboratory networks. 
  • Enhancing disease surveillance, including genomic and environmental monitoring for early warnings. 
  • Strengthening cross-border collaboration for better disease management. 
  • Creating a disaster management framework for the livestock sector. 
• India’s Health Vulnerabilities: 
  • 60% of pathogens causing human diseases originate from domestic animals or wildlife. 
  • 75% of emerging human pathogens are animal-derived. 
  • India scored 42.8 on the Global Health Security Index, reflecting significant environmental risks and public health challenges. 

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