Why in the News?

The Central Government will implement the G20 Pandemic Fund, which is aimed at enhancing the country’s “animal health security”.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• G20 Pandemic Fund (Objectives, Structure, Funding)
• About Zoonotic Diseases (Meaning, Types, Transmission Methods)
• News Summary (Global Health Security Index)

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.

What are Zoonotic Diseases?

• Zoonotic diseases are infections that are transmitted between animals and humans.
• These diseases can result from various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.

Common Zoonotic Diseases:

• COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, believed to have originated from animals, likely bats, before spreading to humans.
• Rabies: A viral infection primarily spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, especially dogs and bats.
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Transmitted from infected birds to humans through direct contact or contaminated environments.
• Ebola: Originates from fruit bats and is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected animals or humans.
• Salmonellosis: Caused by Salmonella bacteria, commonly transmitted through contaminated food, particularly poultry and eggs.

Transmission Methods:

• Direct Contact: Handling or being bitten by infected animals.
• Indirect Contact: Contact with contaminated surfaces or environments.
• Vector-Borne: Through vectors like ticks or mosquitoes.
• Foodborne: Consuming contaminated meat, eggs, or dairy.
• Airborne: Inhaling pathogens from animal excreta or dander.

News Summary:

• The Union government has launched a $25-million G20 Pandemic Fund to strengthen animal health security, aiming to curb zoonotic diseases—diseases transmitted from animals to humans, like COVID-19.
• This initiative is a collaborative effort with organizations including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and is expected to be fully utilized by August 2026.
• The fund will enhance disease surveillance, build laboratory infrastructure, and promote cross-border cooperation.
• India, with high environmental risks and a low score (42.8) on the Global Health Security Index, is particularly vulnerable to zoonotic diseases, which are further intensified by climate change.
• Additionally, the project will focus on human capacity building, improving data management systems, and enhancing disaster management frameworks for the livestock sector.
• This comprehensive approach aims to create an integrated system to manage zoonotic disease risks effectively.

About Global Health Security Index:

• The Global Health Security Index (GHSI) is a comprehensive assessment and benchmarking tool.
• It evaluates the preparedness and capabilities of countries to prevent, detect, and respond to global health threats, such as pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks.
• It was launched in 2019 by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, and The Economist Intelligence Unit.
• The GHSI provides a score ranging from 0 to 100 for each country, with higher scores indicating better preparedness.
• The index assesses countries based on six key categories:
  • Prevention: Measures to prevent the emergence of pathogens.
  • Detection and Reporting: Surveillance and rapid reporting capabilities.
  • Rapid Response: The ability to respond quickly to an epidemic.
  • Health System: The capacity of healthcare systems to treat and protect populations.
  • Compliance with International Norms: Adherence to global health regulations.
  • Risk Environment: Broader socio-political and environmental factors affecting health security.