TAG: GS-3: WILDLIFE & BIODIVERSITY
THE CONTEXT:
The Central Government will implement the G20 Pandemic Fund, which is aimed at enhancing the country’s “animal health security”.
EXPLANATION:
What is G20 Pandemic Fund?
- The G20 Pandemic Fund is a financial initiative established by G20 countries to enhance global preparedness and response to health emergencies, particularly pandemics and zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans).
Key Objectives:
- Strengthen Global Health Security: The fund aims to bolster healthcare systems worldwide to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to pandemics.
- Address Zoonotic Risks: Focuses on zoonotic diseases, which pose significant threats to human health, by investing in animal health and surveillance.
- Support Low and Middle-Income Countries: Provides essential resources and support to vulnerable regions with weaker health infrastructure.
Structure & Funding:
- Managed by Multiple Agencies: The World Bank oversees the fund, while it collaborates with organizations like the WHO, FAO, and regional development banks.
- Targeted Financial Assistance: Initially launched with over $1.4 billion, the fund mobilizes grants and low-interest loans for eligible countries.
- The project is scheduled for utilization by August 2026.
Goals and Significance:
- The initiative marks a significant step in building a resilient framework for pandemic preparedness and response (PPR) against zoonotic diseases.
- India faces a high risk of emerging infections, with 60% of pathogens causing human diseases originating from domestic animals or wildlife.
- 75% of emerging human pathogens are of animal origin.
Climate Change and Health Risks:
- Climate change is exacerbating the risks and frequency of zoonotic diseases in India, as exemplified by the rising incidence of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.
- The Fund aims to safeguard the health, nutrition security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations, particularly small-holding farmers, including women.
Capacity Building and Data Management
- The Fund will support initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of animal health professionals.
- It will also improve data management systems and analytics capabilities.
- The project intends to bolster institutional capacity at national and regional levels.
- Support for developing a disaster management framework for the livestock sector.
Conclusion:
The G20 Pandemic Fund aims to address human health through the lens of animal health, reducing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and enhancing overall health security.
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