(FAO) of the United Nations, organized a One Health Communication Strategy Workshop on June 20, 2025, in New Delhi.
The workshop was conducted under the ambit of the Pandemic Fund-supported project titled “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.” It brought together a wide range of stakeholders from government bodies, international agencies, academia, the research community, and the media, with a unified objective: to lay the groundwork for a robust, people-focused communication framework in line with India’s evolving One Health approach.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, emphasized that communication plays a foundational role in the success of One Health goals. “It’s not just about messaging,” he noted. “It’s about using simple, culturally relevant language to drive real behavioral change and improve disease risk mitigation at the grassroots level.”
Dr. Konda Chavva, Assistant FAO Representative in India, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Communication is the bridge that connects policy to people. Without it, scientific and policy advancements cannot lead to practical impact.”
The event featured a high-level media panel discussion with prominent voices from BBC News, ET Edge, and Down to Earth magazine, who deliberated on the crucial role media can play in promoting transparency, curbing misinformation, and building trust among the public regarding zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and biosecurity measures.
Interactive sessions at the workshop allowed participants to engage in group exercises focused on message design, risk communication, and cross-sector coordination, reflecting the importance of integrating communication across animal, human, and environmental health domains.
The workshop also underlined the significance of the forthcoming One Health Strategy Document, which aims to guide India’s national response to health threats through coordinated and inclusive action across multiple sectors.
With this initiative, DAHD and FAO have reaffirmed India’s commitment to building resilient, well-informed communities and strengthening health security systems through a strategic communication lens, ensuring better preparedness for future pandemics.
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