India’s First Comprehensive National Mock Drill: Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas

From August 27 to 31, 2024, India conducted its inaugural comprehensive national mock drill, known as “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas,” to address the escalating threat of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This exercise, initiated under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), aimed to assess the nation’s readiness to manage such outbreaks.

Objective of the Exercise

The primary objective of Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas was to evaluate India’s ability to respond to a simulated zoonotic disease outbreak. The drill focused on ensuring a coordinated effort across multiple sectors, including human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife management. Given that zoonotic diseases can spread through various channels, a unified response is crucial for effective control.

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Participants in the Drill

The exercise saw participation from several key organizations and departments, including:

• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD)
• Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• State and District Health and Veterinary Services

These entities played various roles, from disease identification to implementing control measures.

Key Components of the Drill

The drill was divided into two main phases:

1. Investigation and Identification: Teams worked to identify the mock virus responsible for the outbreak.
2. Control Measures: Following virus identification, actions were taken to prevent further spread among human and animal populations.

Evaluation of the Drill

Independent observers monitored the exercise, assessing the performance of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) and other participating groups. The overall response was deemed timely and effective, though the drill highlighted areas for improvement.

Overall, Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas was a successful exercise, offering valuable insights to enhance India’s preparedness for future zoonotic disease outbreaks. The National One Health Mission aims to foster effective collaboration across sectors to safeguard public health and the environment, strengthening India’s capacity to manage such crises.